Uruguay and Chile took their first points in the tournament
The third day of the Copa América Fútbol Playa 2023 had closely contested matches leaving the group standings even and the definition of the qualified teams to the final two matchdays.
In Group A, Brazil leads the way with six points after a resounding victory against Peru. Meanwhile, Uruguay gained their first win of the tournament against Ecuador. Argentina, currently in second place, had the day off.
Bolivia, following their victory over Colombia, shares the top spot in Group B with the Colombians. Chile recorded their first three points of the tournament with a victory over Venezuela, while Paraguay had a rest day.
Uruguay secured their first points in the tournament after beating Ecuador 6-5 in a tight match that could have gone either way. The first period of the match ended with a 2-2 draw, with goals from Cedeño and Farías for Ecuador and two from Santiago Miranda for Uruguay.
The Celeste, with three points, surpassed the Tri in the standings, who failed to gain a single point in their three matches played. In the second period, Uruguay surged ahead with two goals from Gastón Laduche and Miranda, while Jorge Senge scored for Ecuador.
In the final quarter, the Tricolor equalized thanks to a penalty awarded to Nevarez. Miranda scored his fourth goal for Uruguay, while Gonzalo Cazet extended their lead. The Ecuadorians scored a consolation goal from Cedeño, but it was not enough to level the match.
Brazil continued their impressive form with an 8-3 win over Peru. With a perfect record, the Verdeamarelha now leads Group A with six points, one ahead of Argentina. Brazil dominated the match from start to finish, with doubles from Zé Lucas, Benjinha, Edson Hulk, and Catarino. Velezmoro, Vidal, and Alcantara scored for Peru.
In Group B, Bolivia bounced back from their heavy defeat to Paraguay to beat previously undefeated Colombia 3-2. Both teams now share the top spot in the group with six points. Colombia took the lead in the first half with a goal from Esleider de Ávila, but Dárlon Zarate equalized for Bolivia in the second period.
The match was decided in the final quarter, with goals from Berthy Alpiri and Jhon Hurtado for Bolivia, and one from Morales for Colombia.
Chile secured their first win of the tournament with a 4-3 victory over Venezuela, who suffered their second consecutive defeat.
The Vinotinto took the lead with a goal from Ramos, but Chile equalized through Papic. In the second period, Hector Tobar scored for Chile, but José Semprun’s superb goal leveled the score for Venezuela. Chile regained their lead in the final quarter with a penalty from Benjamin Arce and a stunning goal from Tobar. Prado scored a consolation goal for Venezuela.
The fourth matchday of the CONMEBOL Copa América Fútbol Playa 2023 will take place on Wednesday 15 March. In Group A, Brazil will face Ecuador, while Peru will play against Argentina. Uruguay will have a rest day. In Group B, Chile will take on Bolivia, and Venezuela will play Paraguay, while Colombia will have a rest day.
RESULTS – Matchday 3
Group A
Uruguay 6-5 Ecuador
Brazil 8-3 Peru
Group B
Colombia 2-3 Bolivia
Chile 4-3 Venezuela
FIXTURES – Matchday 4 (15/03)
Group A
Brazil – Ecuador
Argentina – Peru
Group B
Chile – Bolivia
Venezuela – Paraguay
PHOTOS: CONMEBOL
