Venezuela 3 - Peru 2

By kickoff, Venezuela knew they had no choice but to win their final two matches at home if they wanted to avoid being eliminated.  First up were Peru in Puerto La Cruz tonight.  Peru were ahead after twenty minutes.  A soft pass from out to Cristopher Hurtado forced Hurtado to hurdle a sliding Venezuela centerback Fernando Amorebieta.  That Hurtado did, and he finish smartly under no pressure to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.  On a short pass from Cesar Gonzalez, Venezuela striker Salomon Rondon nearly tripped over the ball.  Miraculously, Rondon kept his balance and three-stepped through three defenders to somehow get a shot off and into the Peruvian net.  The match was all square at one goal apiece at halftime.

Gonzalez hit a rocket shot five minutes after the restart that was batted aside on the dive by Peru goalkeeper Raul Fernandez.  Venezuela were fortunate to receive a penalty kick after the ball played the hand of a Peru defender from a Yohandry Orozco flick.  La Vinotinto would convert for the 2-1 lead.  With a huge goal differential to overcome should they wish to qualify, Venezuela could not rest on such a slim lead.  Fifteen minutes after their second, Venezuela found a third.  Lazy defending on a throw-in allowed Orozco room to roam up the right flank.  He cut in and laid off to Romulo Otero at the half circle.  Otero one-timed a finish into the bottom corner and Venezuela were away 3-1.  With three minutes to go, Carlos Lobaton curled a free kick dangerously into the Venezuelan penalty area, and Carlos Zambrano was able to head the ball into the goal to cut the gap to 3-2.  Venezuela were able to hold on, but the late Peruvian goal could hurt them in the chase for Brasil 2014.  Venezuela win 3-2 to remain alive in the chase for a berth in the intercontinental playoffs.  Peru have been eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup by their loss tonight.

Goals
Venezuela
Salomon Rondon 36
Cesar Gonzalez 62 PK
Romulo Otero 77

Peru
Cristopher Hurtado 20
Carlos Zambrano 89

Match Reports:
http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-peru-loses-3-2-to-venezuelan-soccer-team-100870
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/11/venezuela-beat-peru-3-2-keep-world-cup-hopes-alive

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDJptLUiAH4