The Guaraní grab Gold following a tight win over El Salvador, Ecuador clinches bronze from the penalty kick spot
A very slight difference passed sentence in Huanchaco. Paraguay reedited their Golden Medal following a tight one goal win over El Salvador, whereas only the penalty kick shootout could decide who was taking the bronze between Chile and Ecuador, with the latter clinching the medal.
The final of the II Juegos Bolivarianos was as hard-fought as could have been expected. Paraguay, defending champions and one of the most combative team in South America, and El Salvador, a National Team that has achieved worldwide recognition thanks to their spirited display, put on a terrific battle that amused the packed stands in Huanchaco. The Guaraní managed to get in control of the game thanks to a 0-2 run in the first minutes of the game, but the Cuscatlecos bounced back and equalized midway half the second period. 3-3. Two new hits by Wilson Rodríguez pushed the Paraguayans ahead again, with a two goal distance that would decide the final. El Salvador tried to balance the score again in the third period, but Barriento’s hit broke the Salvadoran comeback and ended up giving Paraguay the gold.
The combat for the bronze medal was a nail-biting spectacle, too, including two goals in the last minute of the game. The stroke exchange between Chile and Ecuador could not be resolved in live game, so penalty kick shootout stood as the only way out. From the 9 meters distance, the Tri proved better aimed, and sealed their first ever medal in the Juegos Bolivarianos de Playa.
Final standings:
Golden Medal: Paraguay
Silver Medal: El Salvador
Bronze Medal: Ecuador
4th place: Chile
5th place: Perú
6th place: Venezuela
7th place: Bolivia
8th place: República Dominicana
