CONMEBOL’s second qualifier will be held on Tuesday. The Venezuelan national team hosted Paraguay in Monagas, with Venezuela winning 1-0 to give the locals three points on the road to the 2026 World Cup. Technology stepped in and ultimately worked in the visitors’ favour, but it would be José Salomón Rondón who emerged victorious. A penalty kick was scored around the 90th minute.
In a one-on-one match where each team had time and the referee was very lenient and controversial, Venezuela outmaneuvered Paraguay, who were unable to break through the goal defended by Rafa Romo.
River Plate striker Salomon Rondon would be responsible for scoring the winning goal for Vinotinto, whose shot from the penalty spot after a handball by a Paraguayan defender had to be reviewed by VAR before being sentenced.
With this goal, the player from Caracas continues to write his legend in the national team. He scored 40 points in the Vinotinto team, a number that makes him continue to be the best in the history of the team. The status of the shooter surpassed Joseph Martinez, who is the top scorer in the team’s history. The player closest to his record is 14 points.
Rondon made his debut for the senior team in February 2008, and scored his first goal in a Venezuelan jersey in March of the same year in a friendly match against El Salvador, which ended with Venezuela defeating CONCACAF 1-0. .
Rondong played 99 times in the national team’s career and scored 40 goals, including 11 in qualifiers, 25 in friendly matches, and 4 in the America’s Cup; Vinotinto sent a total of 5 assists throughout his career.
With his goal against Paraguay on Tuesday, Salomon Rondon tied with Enna Valencia (Ecuador) and became the top five scorers in South America, behind Messi (Argentina, 104 goals) and Ronaldo. Marr (Brazil, 79 goals), Luis Suarez (Uruguay, 68 goals) and Alexis Sanchez (Chile, 51 goals).