Venezuela and Brazil played to a 1-1 draw during the 11th round of the South American qualifiers on November 14th at the Estadio Monumental in Maturín.
In the first half, Brazil dominated the game, putting heavy pressure on Venezuela, with Brazil’s defenders operating mainly from the midfield. Brazilian winger Raphinha scored a well-placed free kick in the 43rd minute, finding the back of the net despite a strong performance from Venezuelan goalkeeper Rafael Romo, who had successfully defended numerous clear chances.
The second half saw a major turnaround as Venezuela capitalized on a fresh injection of energy from Telasco Segovia, who scored a spectacular equalizer just one minute after entering the game at the 46th minute. Venezuela continued to build momentum through plays down the flanks but faced a critical moment when a defensive mistake led to a penalty for Brazil in the 62nd minute. Romo, however, showcased his skills by saving Vinícius’s initial shot, and the Brazilian attacker failed to convert the rebound.
Despite Venezuela’s struggles, the match remained level at 1-1. Venezuela’s morale was bolstered by the penalty save, but they could not secure a lead, even as Brazil, after a red card for Alexander González, was unable to capitalize on their numerical advantage. The draw brought Venezuela’s total to 12 points, while Brazil stands at 17.
Looking ahead, Brazil will take on Uruguay on November 19, and Venezuela will face Chile as the qualifiers continue.
This draw was particularly notable as it marked the first time Venezuela avoided defeat against Brazil at home, breaking a streak of ten consecutive losses to the Canarinha. Additionally, Venezuela became the fifth team to earn points in two matches against Brazil in the same qualifying campaign.
Rafael Romo has been impressive, saving three of the four penalties he has faced during the qualifiers, adding a strong chapter to his performance history. For Brazil, Raphinha became a standout with his goal, bringing his tally for the qualifiers to four, and highlighting his importance for the national team moving toward the 2026 World Cup.
Telasco Segovia’s quick goal after coming on as a substitute also set a record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in the South American qualifiers for the upcoming World Cup, sparking hope for Venezuela’s future prospects in the tournament.
In sum, this intense match showcased not only the competitive spirit of both teams but also the potential for growth within the Venezuelan squad. With upcoming fixtures, there’s optimism for Venezuela to continue building on this result and for Brazil to regain their winning momentum.