The Vinotinto U-20 team won the first friendly in Costa Rica

 

In an exciting warm-up matchup, the Venezuelan under-20 team demonstrated its soccer prowess by beating its Costa Rican counterpart 2-1 in a match played this Tuesday in San José. This match not only served as a valuable training session for both youth teams, but also highlighted the talent and promising quality of the young players that make up the Vinotinto U-20.

The first goal came in the 13th minute, when Nicola Profeta, with coolness and precision, converted a penalty that gave Venezuela the early lead on the scoreboard. This goal not only reflected the player's technical ability, but also the team's ability to capitalize on opportunities and take control of the game from the opening stages.

The youth Vinotinto continued to impose its style of play throughout the match, consolidating its dominance in the 67th minute with a goal from Jesús Duarte. This second goal expanded Venezuela's advantage, highlighting the cohesion and synchronization in teamwork. Duarte's performance underlined the team's ability to generate effective plays and consolidate its presence on the field of play.

Costa Rica, however, did not give up and fought until the end. In the 76th minute, Esteban Cruz scored a goal for the home team, injecting excitement into the match and maintaining uncertainty about the final result. This goal was not only an individual achievement for Cruz, but also a reminder of the resilience and determination that characterizes youth football.

The match offered a favorable stage for young talents from both teams to demonstrate their skills, gain experience in competitive situations and prepare for future challenges. The intensity of the game, the technical skill exhibited and the excitement generated in the San José stadium highlighted the importance of these warm-up matches for the development and growth of the U-20 players.

This victory for the Venezuelan U-20 team not only reinforces their confidence for future commitments, but also highlights the commitment and quality of their preparation. These young players represent the future of Venezuelan football and, with solid performances like the one seen in this match, demonstrate their ability to compete at an international level and aspire to outstanding achievements on the world football stage.

This resounding victory of the Venezuelan U-20 team against Costa Rica marks the beginning of a crucial phase in their preparation path for the 2025 South American Championship. This confrontation not only consolidated the promising performance of Vinotinto's young talents, but also established a solid foundation for the challenges to come. With its sights set on the horizon, the team led by coach Ricardo Valiño is preparing for a second confrontation with the Costa Rican squad on Thursday, in what is anticipated as another exciting chapter in this preparatory stage.

The starting eleven used by Valiño in the first match was a sample of his tactical strategy and confidence in the ability of his players. With Juan Vegas in goal, supported by a defense composed of Piero Mollica, Edicson Tamiche, Bianneider Tamayo, and Yair Ramos, the team structure showed solidity in containment and versatility in starting from the rear. In midfield, the combination of Yulwuis Pérez, Jesús Duarte and Nicola Profeta provided balance and creativity, while on the attacking front, Ronald Rodríguez, Jean Polo and Daniel Padilla demonstrated their ability to generate danger and capitalize on opportunities.

This friendly confrontation was not only a test of the individual quality of the players, but also an opportunity to evaluate the cohesion of the team in real game situations. The combination of veteran and youth in the lineup demonstrates the diversity of talent in the Venezuelan U-20 team, which seeks not only to compete, but to excel in the 2025 South American Championship and beyond.

The fact that coach Valiño chooses to face Costa Rica again in another preparation match underlines the strategic importance of these matches. Not only do they provide crucial opportunities to fine-tune tactics and evaluate player performance, but they also help strengthen team spirit and group cohesion. These aspects are fundamental in building a solid team that can face the competitive challenges that the South American competition has in store for it.

Valiño's choice to keep the same starting lineup or make tactical adjustments in the second game will be closely watched, as collectivity and adaptability are key elements in the success of a soccer team. This preparation period is emerging as a valuable opportunity to polish details, identify areas for improvement and consolidate the playing identity that the Venezuelan U-20 team aspires to bring to the South American competition.