Sudamericano Sub 20: Venezuela, Argentina and Colombia advance

Colombia have won a coin toss to join Venezuela and Argentina in the final round of the South American SUb-20 Championships. For Ecuador, the coin landed the wrong way and they are eliminated from the tournament.

The day began with the match between Argentina and Ecuador. The entertaining encounter has Argentina take the lead through Cristian Gaitan on 32 minutes but Jefferson Pinto levelled seven minutes later.

Juan Anangono then put Ecuador in the lead in the 77th minute but Argentina immediately replied through Ivan Bella. The midfielder was then handed a second yellow card for excessive celebrations.

Being aware of the result at Argentina versus Ecuador, Venezuela needed a draw in the late match while Colombia could advance on a draw, but only if it was 2-2 or higher. A 1-1 result would require a coin toss between Colombia and Ecuador.

Colombia were unfortunate in the first half when hitting Venezuela’s post, and the home side took the lead through Salomon Rondon in the 42nd minute.

Cristian Nazarith converted a penalty to equalise in the 63rd minute and -after another ball on the post for Colombia- the substitute forward had the perfect opportunity to secure qualification and eliminate Venezuela when handed another penalty in added time. However, the striker had his effort saved by keeper Rafael Romo.

As such, Venezuela advance as group winners followed by runners-up Argentina. The coin toss, which took place shortly after the second match, ended in favor of Colombia.