Venezuela Earns First Point in World Cup Qualifying

Vinicius Junior's Missed Penalty Costs Brazil Two Points

Venezuela held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup qualifying match on Thursday, earning their first point of the campaign. Brazil remain top of the standings, but they missed the chance to extend their lead after Vinicius Junior missed a penalty in the second half.

Venezuela took the lead in the 11th minute through a goal from Josef Martinez. The Atlanta United forward scored with a header from close range after a cross from Roberto Rosales.

Brazil equalized in the 35th minute through Gabriel Barbosa. The Flamengo forward scored with a low shot from inside the box after a pass from Neymar.

Brazil had the chance to take the lead in the second half when they were awarded a penalty after Vinicius Junior was fouled in the box. However, the Real Madrid forward missed the spot-kick, and the match ended in a draw.

The result leaves Brazil top of the standings with 10 points from four matches. Venezuela are bottom of the standings with one point from four matches.

Stats

• Venezuela had 3 shots on target to Brazil's 7.
• Brazil had 60% possession to Venezuela's 40%.
• Neymar created 4 chances for Brazil, while Josef Martinez created 2 for Venezuela.
• Vinicius Junior had 3 shots for Brazil, while Martinez had 2 for Venezuela.
• Gabriel Barbosa scored his 6th goal for Brazil in World Cup qualifying.

Reaction

Venezuela coach Jose Pekerman was pleased with his team's performance.

"We played a great match," Pekerman said. "We defended well and we created some good chances. We deserved to win, but we're happy with the point."

Brazil coach Tite was disappointed with his team's performance.

"We didn't play well," Tite said. "We were too slow and we didn't create enough chances. We need to improve if we want to qualify for the World Cup."

What's Next?

Brazil will face Colombia in their next World Cup qualifying match on Sunday. Venezuela will face Ecuador in their next match.