Argentina defeated Venezuela at the end, and Group B remains open

• Ponzetti scored twice.
• The final decision will come on the last matchday.

Argentina had a great first half and went into halftime leading 2-0: Ponzetti placed the ball near the post to open the scoring, and Pomar tapped it in after a great cross from the No. 10.

In the second period, neither team gained an advantage, and the two-goal lead was well received by the Albiceleste side.

In the third period, Vaamonde – the dangerous Venezuelan player – created his own chance and pulled one back. Carlos Pérez had a one-on-one opportunity, but the crossbar denied him the equalizer a minute later. However, at 4’, César Pinto finally secured the equalizer, bringing Vinotinto closer to the semifinals.

With less than 30 seconds remaining, Lucas Ponzetti (the standout player of the match) executed a spectacular bicycle kick to seal Argentina’s 3-2 victory.

Venezuela finished its Group Stage campaign with 6 points, coming from two wins and two losses. Now, it awaits the outcome between Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, the other teams still in contention for the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Argentina will close the group stage this Thursday against Brazil.

Lineups

Argentina (3): 1-Sebastián Gómez Polatti, 2-Lucas Medero, 6-Manuel Pomar, 8-Lautaro Benaducci, 10-Lucas Ponzetti.

Substitutes: 3-Nicanor Maciel, 4-Axel Rutterschmidt, 5-Nahuel Cipolletta, 7-Luca Becares, 9-Alejo González, 11-Nahuel Gigena, 12-Mariano Mansilla.

Coach: Hernán Magrini.

Venezuela (2): 12-Vicente Duque, 2-Aníbal Rivera, 3-José Betancourt (Captain), 7-Alexander Vaamonde, 8-Carlos Pérez.

Substitutes: 1-Robert Pérez, 4-Fausto Escobar Salazar, 5-Rosdel Ramos, 6-Jeyker Rivero, 9-José Semprún, 10-Enderson Ramos, 11-César Pinto.

Coach: Xan Lamigueiro.

Goals:

1st Period: 5’ Lucas Ponzetti (A), 11’ Manuel Pomar (A). Partial Score: Argentina 2-0 Venezuela

2nd Period: None. Partial Score: Argentina 2-0 Venezuela

3rd Period: 1’ Alexander Vaamonde (V), 4’ César Pinto (V), 11’ Lucas Ponzetti (A).

Cards:

2nd Period: 7’ Luca Becares (A).

Main referee: Lucas Hernández (Uruguay).