Argentina faced Venezuela in a tense World Cup qualifying match that ended in a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín in Monagas.
The encounter was marked by challenging conditions, as heavy rainfall left the pitch waterlogged, causing delays and making play difficult for both teams
Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring for Argentina in the 13th minute, heading home from a corner kick. The early goal gave the visitors a promising start, but Venezuela responded strongly.
They had several chances to equalize before half-time, thanks in part to Argentina’s defense and a lack of finishing quality from the home side
The equalizer came in the 65th minute when Salomón Rondón scored with a well-placed header, set up by a precise cross from Yeferson Soteldo. This goal not only reflected Venezuela’s persistence but also showcased their ability to compete against a formidable opponent
The draw means Argentina remains at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, while Venezuela climbs into the top six, inching ahead of Brazil.
The match highlights the unpredictability of football, especially in challenging conditions, and sets the stage for the continuing competition in the qualifiers.