BENOUS ARIES — Paraguay rode their luck to hold Venezuela to a goalless draw before prevailing 5-3 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday to reach the final of the Copa America for the first time since 1979.
Defender Dario Veron scored the winning spot kick, blasting the ball past Renny Vega to send his side into Sunday’s final against Uruguay in Buenos Aires.
Venezuela were desperately unlucky not to win the match. They hit the woodwork three times and improved as the match went on against a Paraguay side who had midfielder Jonathan Santana sent off in the first period of extra time.
After the match a fight broke out on the pitch involving players and coaching staff from both teams.
Luis Suarez struck twice in three minutes as Uruguay beat Peru 2-0 in an enthralling encounter on Tuesday to reach the Copa America final and remain on course for a record 15th title.
Uruguay, fourth at last year’s World Cup, go into the final at the Monumental in Buenos Aires against either Paraguay or Venezuela who clash in Wednesday’s semifinal in Mendoza.
Uruguay went ahead eight minutes into the second half when Diego Forlan, the 2010 World Cup’s best player, shot left-footed from outside the box forcing Raul Fernandez into a diving save and the ever-alert Suarez nipped in to net the rebound from a tight angle on the right.
Suarez scored again three minutes later when Alvaro Pereira passed between two defenders from the left and the striker beat the offside trap, rounded Fernandez on the edge of the box and steered the ball gently home.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Peru captain Juan Vargas was then sent off in the 69th minute for elbowing Uruguay defender Sebastian Coates in the face. —SuperSport
