Copa America 2011, Paraguay Vs. Venezuela: Final Score, Venezuela Complete Incredible Comeback To Draw 3-3

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.

Paraguay scored the next three, and deservedly so. Antonin Alcaraz netted the first one on a set piece, scored from close range and assisted by Lucas Barrios, in the first half. With the match died 1-1 at halftime, Paraguay appeared to have all the momentum. They kept up that momentum in the second half, when Barrios got a goal of his own before Cristian Riveros scored what should have been the clincher in the 86th minute.

When Nicolas Fedor scored in the 90th minute - while offside, I might add - it appeared to be a mere consolation goal. Then, Grenddy Perozo netted with a header in the third minute of stoppage time, giving Venezuela an improbable draw. Though Paraguay will feel aggrieved about the offside goal, the reason that they did not win is that they quit after 86 minutes, and for that they have paid dearly.

Brazil will now win the group with any win over Ecuador or advance in third place with a draw in which they score less than three goals. A 3-3 draw ties them with Paraguay. If Ecuador wins, they are in the quarterfinals and Brazil are out.