Late Rondon strike fires Venezuela to win over Chile

CARACAS - Dalian Professional striker Salomon Rondon struck late as Venezuela secured a 2-1 home win over Chile in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier here on Tuesday.

Universidad de Chile defender Luis Mago put the hosts ahead in the ninth minute by heading home at the far post after Yangel Herrera's curling free-kick.

Chile equalized shortly after when Darwin Machis failed to deal with a Mauricio Isla cross and Arturo Vidal fired in the rebound. It was the Inter Milan midfielder's fourth goal from as many matches in the current South American qualifying tournament.

Rondon restored Venezuela's lead nine minutes from time by meeting a Yeferson Soteldo cross with a lunging volley at the far post. The former West Bromwich and Newcastle United forward, who is Venezuela's all-time leading scorer, now has 31 goals in 81 international matches.

The result at Estadio Olimpico marked Venezuela's first win of the campaign as they bid to qualify for football's showpiece tournament for the first time.