Venezuela 2 - Paraguay 0

Venezuela visited Asuncion to take on hosts Paraguay never having so much as even scored a goal on Paraguayan soil in their history.  The visitors came out with a much more positive attacking lineup than they had four days earlier in Peru, with three attacking midfielders instead of just two in their 4-4-2 formation.  The Brasil 2014 debut of striker Josef Martinez proved vital for Venezuela as the diminutive man was a great foil to star striker Salomon Rondon (pictured, white).  While Rondon controlled the center of the box, Martinez was wreaking havoc along the sidelines.  With solid defense behind them, led by central defender Franklin Lucena, Venezuela absolutely dominated the first half.  Nevertheless, Paraguay had the best chances early as Venezuela goalkeeper Dani Hernandez was forced to come up with two ridiculous saves.  On one occasion, Hernandez stuck out his long arm while seated on his bottom to deny a redirect.  Venezuela's reward for their dominance came in the final minute when a stellar cross from Cesar Gonzalez allowed Rondon to beat the offside trap and strike the ball into the turf to bounce it over Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar.  Venezuela led 1-0 at the break.

Early in the second period, Venezuela were on the offensive looking for goal number two.  Still, Hernandez had to make yet another incredible save in the second half, cementing his status as the most valuable player on the pitch on this night.  A certain goal from Jonathan Fabbro was going to equalize the match before Hernandez dove like a humpback whale and pawed the ball off frame at full stretch and on the dive.  Just as their offensive had died down after the half's midway point, a Venezuela free kick from Juan Arango was punch away by Villar off the back of his own player and into the path of Rondon, who slotted the ball into the open net for a 2-0 La Vinotinto advantage.   Venezuela win 2-0.  The only downsides for La Vinotinto are the yellow card suspensions of Gonzalez and Oswaldo Vizcarrondo for their next match at home to Ecuador.

Goals
Venezuela
Salomon Rondon 45, 68

Match Reports:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-venezuela-win-2-0-push-paraguay-nearer-020105789--sow.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQokTBEtZgU&feature=g-all-u