Venezuela hold Uruguay to goalless draw in uninspiring World Cup qualifier
With a vociferous home crowd behind them, Venezuela were on top in the early stages against a Uruguay side beleaguered by suspensions and injuries. All-time top scorer Salomon Rondon came close to breaking the deadlock early on for La Vinotinto, heading narrowly wide of the target as the hosts chased an opener.
Neither outfit was able to create much in an attritional first half, with matters not helped by a torrential downpour. Rondon consistently appeared the likeliest player to find a breakthrough - even finding the net before the break only for his celebrations to be cut short by the offside flag - as both sides went into half time needing somewhat of a rethink.
Venezuela’s superiority continued after the restart, though chances continued to go begging as Telasco Segovia was denied in a one-on-one by a magnificent save from Sergio Rochet.
The deteriorating conditions made it close to impossible for either team to generate much by way of chances as the half progressed however. At one point, it was difficult for the ball to even roll around the pitch, but referee Raphael Claus didn’t show any intention of suspending the contest.
A header from Yordan Osorio that went inches wide was as close as either outfit came to snatching a winning goal, with the spoils ultimately shared in a forgettable contest. While disappointed not to come away with all three points after dominating for large periods, Venezuela bounced back admirably from a 4-0 thumping against Bolivia.
Uruguay, meanwhile, secured a second consecutive goalless stalemate - a decent return for Marcelo Bielsa’s men given their selection issues.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Sergio Rochet (Uruguay)