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The South American Women's Under-17 Championship began on Wednesday in Colombia, and with it, a new opportunity for the Vinotinto national team to shine again on the continental stage. This edition is especially important, as it grants tickets to the World Cup of Morocco 2025, and our girls arrive with their sights set on qualifying.

The task is not an easy one, especially considering that in the previous tournament, under Vincenzo Conti's management, the Vinotinto were knocked out in the group stage, without even scoring a single goal. It was a hard blow for a national team that has historically made its presence felt in these youth competitions, thanks to generations that have not only been competitive, but also a reference in South America.

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Today, with a new coaching staff led by Dayana Frias, there is a new air in the air. The change of leadership has given hope to a fan base that continues to bet on the young talent of our players. Frias has the challenge of giving back to the U-17 team that combative and competitive spirit that once made us dream of world finals.

The debut was against Chile, and although the final score was 2-2, my perception is clear: Venezuela was more. From the very first minute, the proposal was offensive, with high pressure and constant attempts to recover the ball in the opponent's field. This ambition was evident and deserves to be recognized. However, soccer is also written with mistakes, and Chile was able to take advantage of them with two well-executed counterattacks that left our defense in a very bad position.

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When you go on the attack with such determination, you run the risk of being exposed at the back. That was the great lesson of the match. In spite of that, I am left with the commitment and intention of a team that does not speculate, that seeks to be the protagonist, something that had been lost in previous cycles.

At a collective level, the “chamas” showed a good connection. Work and commitment are evident. On an individual level, I can not fail to highlight Juneski Flores: tireless, tough, always present on both sides of the court. For me, he was the star of the match. His physical display and attitude are a reflection of the spirit that should mark this generation.

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As for the refereeing, it was a weak point of the match. Peruvian referee Priscila Vasquez had a complicated night, with erratic decisions that affected both teams. In tournaments of this level, where every point counts, it is essential that the refereeing justice is up to the task.

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La Vinotinto returns to the field today against the host, Colombia. A complicated opponent, and a decisive match, since our national team has to rest on the last day of the group stage. That is why it is vital to get three points in this and the next match if we want to advance.

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As a follower of women's soccer, I continue to expect the direction our national teams will take with these new technical processes. I have no qualms in saying that the Conti brothers' tenure was a dark period. Their management not only left bad results, but also internal fractures that affected all categories, especially the senior national team. It was a setback for a national team that was once a power in the region.

Today there is a new opportunity. The players are there, the talent is there. The only thing missing is that the structure accompanies them and that the results come, game by game. Let's hope that the next matches will bring that long-awaited victory that will push the Vinotinto to continue dreaming about the World Cup. If you saw the game, I would love to read your opinion in the comments.

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_{Translator: Deepl}