In a nail-biting match on March 26, 2025, Venezuela edged out Peru 1-0 in the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with Salomón Rondón’s penalty proving pivotal. The tense showdown at the Estadio Monumental in Maturín was marked by a controversial disallowed goal from Peru's Bryan Reyna, leaving the Bicolor players and fans fuming.
The match commenced with both teams keen to secure crucial points as they navigate the tough qualification landscape. Venezuela, sitting in a precarious position in the standings, started aggressively, pressuring Peru and creating opportunities from the outset. Their early efforts bore fruit when Rondón converted a penalty, putting the Vinotinto ahead. The penalty was awarded after a foul that sent Rondón crashing to the ground.
Peru, determined to regain parity, fought back fiercely. In a dramatic turn, Bryan Reyna found the net with an impressive header just before halftime at the 47th minute, which initially sent the Peruvian contingent into wild celebrations. However, the joy was short-lived.
The goal was swiftly called into question as the referee, Cristián Garay, opted for a VAR review—an increasingly common scene in modern football. The replay revealed that the ball had brushed Reyna's arm before entering the goal, an infringement that ultimately led to the disallowing of the strike based on FIFA's handball rules. As the referee made his decision, disbelief gripped the Peruvian squad and their supporters.
“El tanto de Reyna fue revisado detenidamente por los árbitros de video, quienes detectaron una infracción en la jugada,” reported Infobae, encapsulating the pivotal moment that changed the course of the match.
Venezuela’s players and fans celebrated the referee's decision as if it were a goal itself, while tempers flared on the Peruvian side. Coach Óscar Ibáñez decried the decision, alongside captain Paolo Guerrero, as the disappointment echoed through the stands. Guerrero's outburst on social media reflected the agony of being on the losing end of a contentious call: "Increíble,” he tweeted following the match, visibly shaken by the officiating.
Amidst the aftermath, André Carrillo provided insights during a post-match interview, emphasizing the need to avoid excuses despite the frustration of the officiating. “No hay que buscar excusas,” said Carrillo, affirming that the team played well but fell victim to the circumstances of the match.
This loss leaves Peru in a precarious position in the standings as they try to secure their World Cup berth. Currently sitting ninth, they find themselves nine points behind Colombia, which poses a significant challenge as they continue their qualifying journey. Their next match will come on June 4, 2025, against Colombia, a must-win encounter.
After suffering their latest defeat, Peru’s spirits were undeniably low, contrasted sharply by Venezuela’s hopeful rise as they secure a spot in the playoff zone with this victory, now sitting seventh in the standings. It was a moment of jubilation for the Vinotinto, who still dream of qualifying for their first World Cup.
The implications of this match extend beyond mere standings; for fans of both teams, the struggle for a chance to represent their nations on the global stage underscores the significance of the qualifiers. Each point in these matches contributes to a narrative of hope and aspiration, further intensified by the dramatic events of this particular match.
In summary, this encounter showcased the heart-pounding intensity and emotional rollercoasters that qualify matches entail. As both teams reflect on the game, Venezuela revels in potential playoff glory, while Peru must regroup and refocus if they are to ignite their own qualification hopes.
