Paraguay has significantly boosted its chances of reaching the semifinals of the 2025 CONMEBOL Copa América Futsal Women's tournament with a dramatic victory over Venezuela. Following a bye in the previous round, Paraguay secured a valuable three points against Venezuela, putting them in close pursuit of Group leaders Brazil.
The early momentum of the match favored Venezuela. In the 9th minute of the first half, Venezuela capitalized on a counter-attack, with Vielma calmly slotting the ball into an empty net after a clever assist from Madaleno. Coach Guerra's Venezuelan side created several more opportunities to extend their lead, including a one-on-one chance for Vegas, but failed to convert. While Venezuela could have had a larger lead at halftime, their lack of finishing proved costly.
However, Paraguay emerged a different team in the second half. Just five minutes after the restart, Romero leveled the score, finishing neatly after a brilliant dribbling run and pass from Vallejos. Riding the wave of momentum, Paraguay took the lead just two minutes later when Benítez finished off a well-executed team play.
Vallejos, who initiated the equalizing goal, sealed the victory for Coach Rodas in the 14th minute of the second half, scoring Paraguay's third and final goal.
Looking ahead, Paraguay faces a crucial match against Group leaders and strong title contenders Brazil next Wednesday. Meanwhile, Venezuela will need a victory against Ecuador in their upcoming game to keep their semifinal aspirations alive.
Match Details:
Venezuela (1): 12- Marinel Arguinzones (C), 5- Loraima Vielma, 8- Carla Crespo, 11- Mariangela Madaleno, 13- Génesis Vegas. Substitutes: 1- Emily Brito, 2- Verónica Da Silva, 3- Cinthia Sarabia, 4- Mariannis Rodríguez, 6- Cristina Rivas, 7- Sharit Fuentes, 9- Francesca Palencia, 10- Ilvi Conde, 14- Adrianny Luna. Coach: Mike Guerra.
Goal: 9' Loraima Vielma.
Paraguay (3): 12- Jessica Franco, 2- Verónica Vallejos, 7- Claudia Romero, 8- Lorena Brites, 10- Paola Brites. Substitutes: 1- Sara Silva, 3- Jazmín Armoa, 4- Diana Benítez, 5- Hamila Acosta, 6- Cinthia Arévalo (C), 9- Liz Sosa, 11- Nataly Lezcano, 13- Perla Bareiro, 14- Liz Ortiz. Coach: Nadia Rodas.
Goals: 25' Claudia Romero, 27' Diana Benítez, 34' Verónica Vallejos.
Halftime Score: Venezuela 1-0 Paraguay Final Score: Venezuela 1-3 Paraguay
Cautions: 27' Diana Benítez (PAR) Yellow Card, 32' Sharit Fuentes (VEN) Yellow Card.
Referee: Estefanía Pinto (Argentina).
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