The Hindu : Sport / Football : Bolivia draws with Venezuela

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Thursday, Jun 28, 2007
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Bolivia draws with Venezuela

San Cristobal (Venezuela): Bolivia twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Copa America host Venezuela on the opening day of the competition on Tuesday.

Bolivia made a lively start and came close to scoring when Jaime Moreno failed to connect with Juan Carlos Arce’s cross from the right.

But Venezuela, hosting the competition for the first time, went ahead against the run of play. Ricardo Paez, the son of Venezuela coach Richard Paez, provided an astute pass to Giancarlo Maldonado, who beat Sergio Galarza with an angled shot.

Bolivia hit back six minutes before the break when Alejandro Cichero deflected Moreno’s shot into his own goal.

Venezuela, whose only previous Copa America win was on its debut appearance in 1967 against the same opponent, regained the lead in the 56th minute.

Paez was left unmarked on the edge of the area and collected a pass from midfield before poking the ball past Galarza.

Arce equalised six minutes from time when he turned in Diego Cabrera’s cross at the near post.

The host had a strong penalty appeal turned down in stoppage time when Jorge Vargas appeared to be fouled by Gualberto Mojica.

Peru causes upset

Meanwhile, Peru kicked off its Copa America campaign by blanking Uruguay 3-0.

Miguel Villanta, Juan Carlos Marino and Paolo Guerrero were on target in the Metropolitano Stadium as Peru shocked its opponent, considered by many as the dark horse for the prestigious tournament.

The results: Venezuela 2 (Maldonado, Paez) drew with Bolivia 2 (Cichero own goal, Arce); Peru 3 (Villalta, Marino, Guerrero) bt Uruguay 0. — Agencies

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