Football: Brazil draw at Copa

CORDOBA:

Super-sub Fred scored a last-gasp equaliser to help Brazil earn a 2-2 draw in their second Copa America Group B match against Paraguay.

Jasdon had put Brazil ahead six minutes before the interval with a long-range shot, only for Roque Santa Cruz to equalise in the 54th minute. Nelson Haedo Valdez came on as a substitute and made his mark in the 65th minute to fire his team in front, but substitute Fred equalised a minute before time, turning in a neat flick. In the day’s second game, Venezuela put up an impressive performance to defeat Ecuador 1-0 and take control of Group B. Cesar Gonzalez scored the only goal after the hour mark, leaving Venezuela top of the group.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2011.