Copa America 2011, Paraguay Vs. Venezuela: Underdogs Venezuela Occupy First After Incredible 3-3 Draw

Unbelievable. When Cristian Riveros scored a headed goal on a corner kick in the 86th minute to make it 3-1 to Paraguay, the game appeared over. To be honest, it appeared to be over when Lucas Barrios made it 2-1 minutes earlier, but with an inferior Venezuela side down 3-1 to Paraguay in the 86th minute, it was truly done and dusted. Then, Venezuela improbably scored two goals, tying the score up at 3-3 and keeping themselves in first place of Group B in the 2011 Copa America.

Jose Solomon Rondon stunned Paraguay with the opening goal, which he scored just five minutes in. With Paraguay still settling in, a deflection caused the ball to fall to the feet of Rondon 25 yards from goal. He unloaded on a half volley and beat Justo Villar at his near post, giving his team a shock lead.

So, what’s changed? Not a lot, really. This is just a really weird tournament. Both Brazil and Ecuador played like garbage against Venezuela, and Paraguay should be able to defeat them if they’re on their game. The team’s only big time attacking talent is José Salomón Rondón, and he hasn’t scored in this tournament.

Though Paraguay sit in a tie for second place in the group, they have probably been the best team in Group B up until this point. They gave Brazil a serious game in their 2-2 draw, and they were the slightly better team against Ecuador in that 0-0 draw.