Fri Nov 15 14:09:24 UTC 2024: ## Paquetá Enters Late as Brazil Draw in Venezuela, Antonio Suspended for Jamaica Defeat

**CARACAS, VENEZUELA** – West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá came on as a substitute in the second half as Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday night.

Paquetá entered the game in the 68th minute with the score tied at 1-1. Brazil had taken the lead just before halftime through Raphinha’s free-kick, but Venezuela quickly equalized just 38 seconds into the second half thanks to a goal from Telasco Segovia.

Despite dominating possession for much of the match, Brazil missed a crucial opportunity to secure all three points when Vinícius Júnior missed a penalty shortly after the hour mark. Venezuela were reduced to ten men late in the game when Alexander González was shown a red card for violent conduct.

The draw leaves Brazil third in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying table. They will next face Uruguay at home in the early hours of Wednesday, November 20th.

Meanwhile, West Ham teammate Michail Antonio was unavailable for Jamaica’s CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final first leg due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards. Jamaica suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the United States in Kingston, with Ricardo Pepi scoring the only goal of the game early on.

Demarai Gray missed a penalty for Jamaica, while teammate Mason Holgate was sent off in the 86th minute. The second leg of the tie will take place in St. Louis next week.

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