Venezuela stepped to semi final after bending Chile 2-1

Venezuela is a major surprise in this tournament. In the group stage they are able to draw against Brazil and qualify as runners up. This is the first time they qualify for the semifinal of Copa America.

Venezuela fans (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

Venezuela's winning 2-1 over Chile was the only one of the quarter final not to go to extra time, while two ended in penalty shootouts, Brazil losing 2-0 to Paraguay after Argentina went out against old rivals Uruguay on Saturday.

Centre back Oswaldo Vizcarrondo had given the Venezuelans the lead with a header from set piece in the 35th minute. Vizcarrondo cut across the area and headed in a cross from Juan Arango from a free kick. The shot beat Bravo just inside the post to his left.

Chile leveled the match in the 70th minute when Suazo drove in a shot off the underside of the crossbar following a pass from Alexis Sanchez.

Both teams ended the match with 10 men, Chile's Gary Medel and Venezuela's Tomas Rincon sent off in the closing minutes.

Venezuela will face Paraguay in Mendoza on Wednesday for a place in the final, while Peru meet Uruguay on Tuesday in other semi final match.

Venezuela 2-1 Chile, Highlights:

Lineups:

Venezuela: Renny Vega, Roberto Rosales, Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, Grenddy Perozo, Gabriel Cichero, Tomas Rincon, Franklin Lucena, Cesar Gonzalez (Alejandro Moreno '89), Juan Arango, Nicolas Fedor (Jose Salomon Rondon '59), Giancarlo Maldonado (Luis Seijas '64).

Chile: Claudio Bravo, Pablo Contreras, Waldo Ponce, Gonzalo Jara (Esteban Paredes '59), Mauricio Isla, Carlos Carmona (Jorge Valdivia '45), Gary Medel, Arturo Vidal, Luis Jimenez (Carlos Munoz '82), Alexis Sanchez, Humberto Suazo.

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