News Article

Midfielder David Martínez saved Venezuela from a second defeat with his goal in stoppage time, securing a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in the second match of Group B in the South American Under-17 Championship held in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil.

Martínez scored in the 90+2 minute, while Rodrigo Villalba had given Paraguay the lead with a penalty in the 62nd minute.

The match was suspended in the 11th minute due to a heavy downpour that left the George Capwell stadium pitch in poor condition. It resumed 90 minutes later, officiated by Chilean referee Felipe González.

As Venezuela pressed for an equalizer, Paraguayan player Jorge Mora received a through pass and was fouled by Ángel Borgo inside the area, resulting in a penalty. Villalba converted the penalty in the 62nd minute.

Martínez not only scored the goal that salvaged the draw for Venezuela but also one of the best goals of the tournament. He received the ball on the right side, made a diagonal run, and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the area that found the top left corner of the net.

Venezuela will play against Bolivia next Tuesday, while Paraguay will face Peru. Argentina will have a rest day.

EFE.