Copa America 2011: Brazil And Paraguay Battle To 2-2 Draw; Venezuela Earn Shock Win Over Ecuador

Wrong! Wrong wrong wrong. Two hours after kickoff, and it’s Venezuela who’ve put themselves in commanding position with a deserving 1-0 win. Despite a tense finish, where Renny Vega was forced into several good saves, the victors were full value for the points, with Ecuador coming out flatter than flat while Venezuela actually tried to play football, which was nice.

Their intrepid play was rewarded with an absolutely wonderful second-half goal from Cesar Gonzalez, who surged forwards onto a loose ball more than thirty yards out and absolutely wellied a shot into the bottom left corner, with Marcelo Elizaga looking on in disbelief. Did Ecuador roar into life as a result? Of course not, although they had a couple of good chances to equalise before Walter Cordero blew for full time.

While Brazil may have been the favorites and the pick of almost everyone to grab three points, Paraguay are not some team anyone can just roll over. A quality side that proved their worth at last summer’s World Cup in advancing to the knockout stages, Paraguay were not going to be awestruck by the Brazilians and they came out flying after halftime.

Instead of setting up shop, Paraguay continued to play despite being up a goal and it worked. Brazil couldn’t find their rhythm and looked as if they would drop all three points, but Fred saved them in the 90th minute. The ball was flicked on to him at the top of the box and he turned quickly, letting the ball bounce into his path. With defenders on both sides of him, but none in front of him, Fred had room to get a shot off and took advantage. He hit it low and hard for the key equalizer.