Venezuela Hold Uruguay, Chile Thump Bolivia

La Vinotinto came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw in Puerto Ordaz, while La Roja romped to a 4-0 win in Santiago...

Jun 11, 2009 5:02:07 AM

Venezuela - Uruguay

Venezuela and Uruguay fought out a nail-biting 2-2 draw in a highly disputed clash that has seen the World Cup chances of both teams fade.

La Celeste pushed to the attack straight from the kick-off and they could have taken the lead inside the first two minutes, but Alvaro Fernandez failed to get a good shot on goal.

But it was Venezuela who went ahead in the ninth minute when Giancarlos Maldonado poked the ball home after being sent through on goal by Tomas Rincon.

In the second period, Uruguay dominated their opponents, and after an immense amount of pressure they finally drew level in the 61st minute when Luis Suarez powered the ball past Venezuela goalkeeper Renny Vega.

Ten minutes later Diego Forlan put Uruguay ahead when he fired the ball home after meeting a brilliant headed pass from substitute Sebastian Abreu.

However, three minutes later Jose Manuel Rey equalised for Venezuela with a powerful long-range free kick that crept inside the right post.

Uruguay came closest to winning the match late on but were kept out by the heroics of Vega, who made a couple of crucial saves.

In Santiago, Chile thumped Bolivia 4-0 to practically assure themselves of a place in the World Cup of South Africa.

Marcelo Bielsa's side completely dominated their opponents and won the match courtesy of goals from Jean Beausejour, Marco Estrada and two from Alexis Sanchez.

La Roja consolidated their position as one of the top teams of South America, and are expected to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.

Gregory Sica, Goal.com
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