Copa America
Venezuela vs Peru Preview
- Date: Saturday, Jun 15, 2019
- Time: 3:00 p.m. (est)
- Network: Telemundo
- Location: Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Venue: Arena do Grêmio
- Seating Capacity: 60,540
Venezuela and Peru kick off Saturday’s action from Porto Alegre where they will close Group A action.
In addition, Peru are two-time Copa America champions but have been unable to win the tournament since 1975. Nevertheless, they reached the semifinals in 2011 and 2015.
Additionally, Los Incas return with record goalscorer Paolo Guerrero who was serving a suspension for doping.
Meanwhile, Venezuela is coming off a huge 3-0 victory over the United States. However, Venezuela has never won this tournament and their best position has been a fourth place ranking.
Thomas Rincon, Josef Martinez and Salomon Rondon are perhaps La Vinotinto best known players and who’s goals will be needed for Venezuela to advance.
Team News
Yeferson Soteldo has been called up to replace Warford man Adalberto Penaranda who will miss the tournament through injury.
Undoubtedly, Venezuela will depend greatly on Rondon’s experience and goals. Nevertheless, they will have a great bench player in Atlanta United Martinez who comes with poise to this tournament.
Meanwhile, Ricardo Gareca will be without Paolo Hurtado who has been replaced by Alexis Arias. Returning captain Guerrero will likely lead the way for Gareca’s men against Venezuela.
Elsewhere, Peru will heavily depend on Guerrero to lead the way against the Venezuelans.
Lineups and Prediction (Venezuela vs Peru Preview)
Venezuela: Romo; Rosales, Chancellor, Villanueva, Mago; Rincon, Herrera, Saravino, Moreno, Murillo; Rondon.
Peru: Gallese; Advincula, Santamaria, Araujo, Trauco; Tapia, Pretell, Flores, Cueva, Carrillo; Paulo Guerrero.
Venezuela comes to this tournament having beaten the United States and Argentina. However, they have been rather impressive in their outings against Mexico and Ecuador.
Meanwhile, Peru have lost lost three of their last four matches. Their only win came against Paraguay back in March. However, they lost their most recent friendly against El Salvador.
Though Peru holds a better record over Venezuela, La Vinotinto comes better form to this tournament. A victory wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone given their recent success.
However, Peru will play the safe game and secure their defensive scheme to avoid surprises from Rondon.
Expect some good football out of this match as both sides have nothing to lose and lots to gain. Both sides are expected to at least reach the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Venezuela 2 – 1 Peru
Written by Edgar Gomez
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Photo credit to SeleVinotinto via Twitter
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