Excitement builds as final is in sight

Close matches dominated the last day of the group stage as Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil all earned wins

Ecuador had the most decisive win on the day and even that was not a walk in the park. The Ecuadorians needed to win to advance to the semifinals. Colombia had the same ultimatum but were unable to score in the 4-0 loss. Ecuador scored in every period but used two in the first frame to maintain a safe lead throughout. The win gave Ecuador second place in Group A and they will face the winner of Group B, Brazil, on Friday.

The second match of the day was decided by only one goal and sent one team into semifinals and the other into a playoff for 5th place. The home crowd helped spur the Venezuelan team after the hosts faced multiple one goal deficits. Thrice. Venezuela equalized the score three times but in the final minute, with the score tied at three, Pedro Moran of Paraguay scored his second goal of the match to give his team the win and a shot at the gold. Paraguay, winners of Group A, will face the second place finishers in Group B, Argentina on Friday.

Uruguay and Peru knew their dreams of playing in the finals would not be a reality but they still had much to play for on Thursday, pride and seeding for the playoff for 5th place. Uruguay struck first and did just enough to stave off Peru. The defense was great for both teams in the opening period, as no one scored, but in the middle frame, Uruguay capitalized and went up 1-0 going into the final break. The final period was very close but Uruguay scored again to go up two goals and despite a last minute goal from Peru, the Peruvians could not harness anymore magic and lost 2-1. Uruguay finished 3rd place in Group B and will play Colombia, who finished 4th place in Group A, on Friday.

Saving the best for last was hardly intentional but the final match of the day was just that, the best. It was entertaining from start to finish and the 5(3) – 5(2) shootout win for Brazil gave them first place in Group B. Argentina was involved in both shootouts, having won the first and losing this one. Brazil was the frontrunner most of the match, scoring first and going up by two goals twice, but Argentina stormed back every time and scored with one minute left to send the game to overtime. The extra frame was scoreless and Brazil prevailed in the penalties 3-2. Brazil will face Ecuador in the first semifinal match on Friday, while the Argentines face Paraguay in the second semifinal match.