The formula experimented by the Venezuelan coach, José Pekerman, of calling up new talents to mark a new era for Vinotinto, was successful this Wednesday, when his team beat malt 0-1 in the friendly played at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium in Malta.
With a goal from the captain and top scorer of the Vinotinto, Salomón Rondón, the national team achieved victory in the first of the two friendly dates scheduled for this month.
Rondón opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a header from the center of the area directly to the goal, after an assist from striker Yeferson Soteldo.
Venezuela wins with Rondón’s goal
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 was not until after 1970 that Malta approached the goal Venezuelan on a couple of occasions without doing any harm. Meanwhile, Venezuela insisted and tried to add, also without success.
In the grass of Ta’Qali, Pekerman had the opportunity to test the strategy of incorporating summoned players who play in Venezuelan soccer and others who are emerging talents who 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
Malt: 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
Goals:0-1, M.34: Rondon.
Referee: Kristo Tohver, from Estonia, showed yellow to Enrico Pepe, Ryan Camenzuli and James Brown, from Malta; and to Jhon Chancellor and Yohan Cumana, from Venezuela.
