Vinotinto achieves feat and classifies the U-17 World Cup after an epic tie with Uruguay

The U-17 Venezuelan team achieved a historic classification to the World Cup, after an exciting 2-2 draw against Uruguay at the Jaraguay Stadium in Montería. The match, corresponding to the last date of Group B of the South American U-17, kept the fans on the edge of their seats until the last second.

The meeting began uphill for the Vinotinto, when Alexander Dos Santos advanced Uruguay at minute 9, taking advantage of a defensive carelessness. However, the Venezuelan team showed character and sought to reverse the situation. Juan Uribe was close to matching with a free kick that was diverted, while goalkeeper Alan Vásquez saved Venezuela from the second Charrúa goal.

The Venezuelan insistence was fruit at minute 42, when Diego Clout took advantage of a loose ball in the area to mark the draw, unleashing euphoria in the stands.

In the second half, coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo made four changes that revitalized the Venezuelan team. Clout had a clear opportunity to mark his double, but the Uruguayan goalkeeper Paulo da Costa made a great stop.

Despite the Venezuelan domain, Uruguay was ahead again on the scoreboard at minute 75, with a goal by Francisco Fernández. The Vinotinto did not give up and sought the draw with despair.

The culminating moment came in the last minute of the added time, when Juan Uribe took a powerful shot from outside the area that sneaked into the Uruguayan goal, sealing the tie and classification of Venezuela to the U-17 World Cup.

With this result, and Brazil’s victory over Ecuador, Venezuela assured the second place of Group B and its pass to the South American semifinals, in addition to the coveted ticket for the Catar World Cup.