Mass brawl ends Paraguay's Copa America semi-final win over Venezuela
Justo Villar's save to deny Franklin Lucena proved the key moment in the shoot-out after a match Venezuela controlled for the most part ended goalless after extra time.
Venezuela struck the woodwork three times while Paraguay had Jonathan Santana sent off in extra-time, but still Gerardo Martino's side held on to ensure their place in Sunday's Buenos Aires showpiece against Uruguay.
Paraguay's progress, which was sealed by a Dario Veron penalty, means they have qualified for the final despite having not won a match without the aid of penalties in the tournament so far.
Martino's side were the clear favourites after knocking out Brazil in the quarter-finals while Venezuela were playing in their first ever Copa America semi-final.
Cesar Farias' side understandably made a nervy start and were indebted to the sharp reflexes of their goalkeeper Renny Vega early on as he kept out Veron's header.
More casual defending allowed Nelson Haedo Valdez a sight on goal but he thrashed his effort well wide before the Paraguay striker saw a far better attempt turned aside by Vega.
Venezuela had a goal chalked off on 35 minutes when Oswaldo Vizcaronndo headed past two team-mates who had drifted offside, although there was an argument they were not interfering with play. Venezuela then hit the woodwork for the first time just before the break from Alejandro Moreno's header.
After the lull of the second half Venezuela struck the woodwork twice more in the first five minutes of injury time. First Miku saw a curling effort hit the post before the captain Juan Fernando Arango struck did likewise with a free-kick.
Paraguay then had Santana sent off for a second caution just before half-time in extra-time, and while they were rocking for the rest of the additional period they held on for penalties.
Villar then proved the hero as he saved Lucena's weak third penalty low to his right before Veron completed a faultless display from the spot to send the two-time champions through.
Paraguay's success was, however, marred by ugly scenes after the shoot-out when a mass brawl between players and officials of both teams broke out on the pitch.
Police and security staff took several minutes to bring calm to a situation which is likely to come under investigation from tournament organisers.
source : http://www.guardian.co.uk/
Venezuela struck the woodwork three times while Paraguay had Jonathan Santana sent off in extra-time, but still Gerardo Martino's side held on to ensure their place in Sunday's Buenos Aires showpiece against Uruguay.
Paraguay's progress, which was sealed by a Dario Veron penalty, means they have qualified for the final despite having not won a match without the aid of penalties in the tournament so far.
Martino's side were the clear favourites after knocking out Brazil in the quarter-finals while Venezuela were playing in their first ever Copa America semi-final.
Cesar Farias' side understandably made a nervy start and were indebted to the sharp reflexes of their goalkeeper Renny Vega early on as he kept out Veron's header.
More casual defending allowed Nelson Haedo Valdez a sight on goal but he thrashed his effort well wide before the Paraguay striker saw a far better attempt turned aside by Vega.
Venezuela had a goal chalked off on 35 minutes when Oswaldo Vizcaronndo headed past two team-mates who had drifted offside, although there was an argument they were not interfering with play. Venezuela then hit the woodwork for the first time just before the break from Alejandro Moreno's header.
After the lull of the second half Venezuela struck the woodwork twice more in the first five minutes of injury time. First Miku saw a curling effort hit the post before the captain Juan Fernando Arango struck did likewise with a free-kick.
Paraguay then had Santana sent off for a second caution just before half-time in extra-time, and while they were rocking for the rest of the additional period they held on for penalties.
Villar then proved the hero as he saved Lucena's weak third penalty low to his right before Veron completed a faultless display from the spot to send the two-time champions through.
Paraguay's success was, however, marred by ugly scenes after the shoot-out when a mass brawl between players and officials of both teams broke out on the pitch.
Police and security staff took several minutes to bring calm to a situation which is likely to come under investigation from tournament organisers.
source : http://www.guardian.co.uk/
0 Response to "Mass brawl ends Paraguay's Copa America semi-final win over Venezuela"
Post a Comment