Venezuela 2-2 BoliviaHosts Venezuela were twice pegged back by Bolivia to be held to a 2-2 draw in their opening match of the Copa America tournament.
The match was attended by the presidents of both the countries, with Venezuela president Hugo Chavez officially inaugrating the tournament, which is being hosted by Venezuela for the first time in the competitions 91-year history.
It was Venezuela who took the lead in the 21st minute when Giancarlo Maldonado opened his team's account in the tournament with a speculative shot past the Bolivian keeper. However Bolivia was soon back into the match with an own goal from Jaime Moreno in the 39th minute.
Venezuela pressed ahead in the second half and was rewarded in the 62nd minute when Ricardo Paez gave his team the lead with a delightful chip over the keeper. The hosts continued to press ahead in search of a killer third goal, but were unable to covert a number of chances that came their way. They were made to pay in the 83rd minute when Bolivia equalized through Juan Carlos Arce who latched on to a cross from the right side and was left with a simple tap in from close range. Venezuela had a penalty appeal turned down in the final minute of the game and the hosts were made to rue missed chances as the game ended in a draw. Tags: Venezuela, Bolivia, Copa America Posted: |
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