22 Jul 2011

Paraguay beat unlucky Venezuela to reach Copa final

8:02 am on 22 July 2011

Paraguay's beaten Venezuela 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out in Argentina to reach the final of the Copa America football tournament for the first time since 1979.

There was no score in regular or extra time though Venezuela were desperately unlucky, hitting the woodwork three times - though they failed to capitalise after Paraguay midfielder Jonathan Santana was sent off in the first period of extra time.

Defender Dario Veron scored the winning spot kick, blasting the ball past Renny Vega to send his side into Monday's final against Uruguay in Buenos Aires.

After the match a fight broke out on the pitch involving players and coaching staff from both teams.