18:28 | Caracas (Venezuela), Nov. 16.
Peru's national soccer team defeated its Venezuelan counterpart 2-1 in a
2022 World Cup qualifier match on Tuesday at UCV Olympic Stadium in Caracas, Venezuela.
First half
In the first minutes, the Incas were caught by surprise by Venezuela, which attempted to create dangerous situations while holding the ball.
After recovering from its poor start, Peru started to grow into the game and dominate it.
Gareca's squad opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a goal by Gianluca Lapadula, who was assisted by Andre Carrillo.
Second half
The Peruvians struggled to find their way out of their half in the second period, so the home team started to grow into the game thanks to this situation.
Thus, the second goal of the game —the first for Venezuela— was scored by Darwin Machis, who was assisted by Ronald Hernandez with a cross, which tied the game in the 52nd minute.
The game-winning goal was scored by Christian Cueva (Peru) from a free kick in the 65th minute.
However, a few seconds later, the ball touched Trauco's hand in the penalty area, so the referee awarded a penalty kick to the host team.
Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese saved the penalty shot by Darwin Machis, who failed to capitalize on this great opportunity in the 68th minute. This is the seventh penalty saved by Gallese during his time with the national team.
With today's win, Peru has gained three points and has racked up 17, thus placing fifth at the end of Tuesday.
It must be pointed out that the Incas' next match will be against Colombia in Barranquilla on January 27, 2022.
(END) APD/RMB/MVB
Published: 11/16/2021