

The complicated political landscape in Venezuela had everyone doubting over the possibility for the Vinotinto national team to receive Argentina this Tuesday in Merida. At the end a match was possible thanks to the effort of all the Venezuelan people who fought for this match to take place, the incredible effort nearly paid off as the local side almost won the match against a Messi-less Argentina but they weren't able to maintain the initial 2-0 lead.
The Venezuela side started dreaming of getting out of the bottom of the table with a fantastic Juanpi screamer from outside the box to give the local side the lead. But for Argentina, Messi wasn't the only absentee, Paulo Dybala was also missing from the starting line-up due to the red card he saw against Uruguay last week. The rest of the match was mostly controlled by Venezuela, the rest of the emotions came in the second half after the break.
Rondon led a wonderful counter attack in which he gave the ball to Martinez for Venezuela's second goal of the night on the 8th minute of the second half. But Argentina wasn't going to let things go that easy, three minutes after Venezuela's second goal, Pratto combined with Lamela and pulled one back the Bauza's team. Then seven minutes from the end, Otamendi scored in a corner kick for the final 2-2 draw which gives Argentina the chance to remain as leaders.
Photo credit: Seleccion Argentina