Venezuela 0-0 Uruguay
The Venezuelans played their role as spoilers to perfection as they held Uruguay to a goalless draw at the Estadio Olimipico de la UCV last Tuesday night.
Despite the 0-0 tally, this World Cup 2022 qualifiers match between Venezuela and Uruguay featured enough attacking opportunities for both sides but neither was able to capitalise to grab the three important points.
Josef Martinez was the closest to have scored for both countries. However, his goal was disallowed by the VAR due to a handball. Luis Suarez and Matias Vina, among others, had their chances too but they also failed to convert.
Uruguay would’ve preferred to take home the win on this one but with the draw, they remain at fourth in the CONMEBOL standings with eight points. On the other hand, Venezuela are no longer the worst team since they are at ninth with four points.
Colombia almost claimed solo fourth but they ended with a draw against Argentina. Instead, they are the fifth-placed squad and they are level with Uruguay in points.
Today, we take a look at the World Cup 2022 highlights produced in this match.
Highlights of the game
We all know how Uruguay are currently struggling in form right now, but they still can’t shake off their doldrums against a lower-tier team like Venezuela yesterday.
The hosts were the more aggressive team from the jump as Josef Martinez drew the first save of the game when he launched a shot from 18 yards that Fernando Muslera caught.
After a couple more attempts from La Vinotinto in the first 10 minutes, Uruguay tried to strike back with a quick-and-turn attempt from Luis Suarez but it was easily received by Joel Graterol.
Five minutes later, Venezuela’s relentless pursuit paid off as Josef Martinez blazed past multiple Uruguayan defenders after receiving a lob to slide the ball to the goal. However, the referees rightfully waved it off since the Atlanta United forward initially caught the ball with his two hands.
Even with the missed chance, Martinez’s confidence never diminished as he would try another long-range shot near the half-hour mark only to be saved by Fernando Muslera.
When Junior Moreno got a yellow card following a tackle to Luis Suarez in the 38th minute, the Atletico Madrid striker volleyed a free-kick that almost went in if it weren’t for Joel Graterol’s quick hands.
Josef Martinez went at Uruguay’s backline once more with a header, but his shot just floated over the crossbar to end the first half.
Attacking chances continue to come in the second half but neither team still couldn’t find the back of the net.
The closest attempt at a goal happened during the 78th minute when substitute Matias Vina found an opening from the left side. However, Joel Graterol’s face literally got into the way of the left-back’s kick to save the goal.
Key statistics
Torino midfielder Tomas Rincon made his 101st appearance for La Vinotinto last night and he’s their most experienced player in the starting XI. Meanwhile, leading scorer Josef Martinez just made his 53rd appearance.
However, that pales into comparison to Uruguay’s collective experience as Luis Suarez alone has 118 international games, while their backline of Diego Godin, Martin Caceres, and Jose Gimenez have over 300 caps combined.
La Celeste’s unbeaten streak over La Vinotinto continues after last night’s game. Uruguay have yet to lose against Venezuela in their last six fixtures (W3, D3).
Venezuela and Uruguay last met at Pueblo Nuevo in October 2017. Yesterday marked the second straight time that the game between these two countries ended in a 0-0 draw.
Despite not being favoured by the World Cup 2022 odds, Venezuela were the sharper team on the attack as they had more total shots (14) and shots on target (4).
Uruguay’s scoring drought continues as they have yet to find the back of the net since November 2020, when they thrashed Colombia 3-0 in their third qualifiers game.
What’s next?
These next few days will be big for Venezuela and Uruguay since they are both preparing for the much-awaited Copa America.
Venezuela’s first opponent in the said tournament will be against the defending champions in Brazil on Sunday night while Uruguay are set to take on Argentina on June 18, 2021.
To learn more on what to expect in the upcoming Copa America, do check out the preview here courtesy of SBOTOP.
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