The formula experimented by the Venezuelan coach, José Pekerman, of calling in new talents to mark a new era for Vinotinto, was successful this Wednesday, when his players beat Malta 0-1 at home in the friendly played at the National Stadium Ta’ Qali of Malta.
read also
With a goal from the captain and top scorer of the Vinotinto, Salomón Rondón, the Venezuelans got the victory in the first of the two friendly dates that they have marked during this month.
Rondón opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a header from the center of the area after an assist from striker Yeferson Soteldo.
The goal was the result of a first half marked by the initial anxiety of a Venezuela that showed its need to win from the beginning, but that defended its spaces solidly and presented quick transitions in attack.
Meanwhile, Malta managed to repel several attempts by Venezuela who threatened to score early on.
In the second half, the Vinotinto kept the lead over the contest and the game then took a slower pace.
It wasn’t until after the 70th minute that Malta approached the Venezuelan goal on a couple of occasions without doing any damage. Meanwhile, Venezuela insisted and tried to add, also without success.
Now against Arabia in Murcia
Pekerman had the opportunity to test the strategy of incorporating squads that play in Venezuelan soccer and others that are emerging talents that are outside the country.
After this victory, the Vinotinto will face Saudi Arabia on June 9 at the Nueva Condomina stadium in Murcia (Spain).
Data sheet
Malta: Jake Galea; Karl Micallef, Enrico Pepe, Zach Muscat; James Brown, Matthew Guillaumier, Matías Nicolás García, Ryan Camenzuli; Jake Grech, Teddy Teuma and Paul Mbong.
Coach: Devis Mangia
Venezuela: Wuilker Farinez; Yordan Osorio, Nahuel Ferraresi, John Chancellor, Yohan Cumana; Eduard Bello, Yangel Herrera, Christian Larotonda; Yeferson Soteldo, Salomón Rondón and Jhon Murillo.
Coach: Jose Pekerman
Goal: 0-1, M.34: Rondon.
Referee: Kristo Tohver, from Estonia, showed a yellow card to Enrico Pepe, Ryan Camenzuli and James Brown, from Malta; and to Jhon Chancellor and Yohan Cumana, from Venezuela.
Incidents: Friendly between Venezuela and Malta played at the Ta’Qali National Stadium.
