Vinicius Junior missed an opportunity to secure Brazil’s win over Venezuela in the South American World Cup qualifiers.
Raphinha opened the scoreline with a fine left-footed strike from a free kick on the edge of the box in the 43rd minute.
It was Brazil’s first goal from a free kick in over 19 years in World Cup qualifiers after former Real Madrid fullback Roberto Carlos scored also against Venezuela in 2005.
But in box 38 seconds into the second half, Segovia fired a shot from the edge of the box to level the game assisted by Jefferson Savarino.
But Brazil kept threatening and had an opportunity to get back in front in the 62nd minute when Vinicius was fouled inside the box by goalkeeper Rafael Romo in a counter attack.
However, Vinicius’ poorly taken penalty was stopped by Romo, and the Real Madrid striker again failed to net the rebound, missing wide left of the empty goal and Venezuela held on against Brazil’s late press for a winner.
