Martinez heroics fail to buoy Venezuela

19 January 2013 03:04

Venezuela Under-20 captain Josef Martinez impressed at the Campeonato Sudamericano despite his side failing to reach the final stages.

The Young Boys striker scored two of their three goals as they finished fourth in Group B, behind Peru, Uruguay and Ecuador.

Martinez netted the winner in Venezuela's 1-0 win over Ecuador before they suffered losses to Peru and Brazil, who surprisingly failed to progress.

The 19-year-old was on the scoresheet again against Uruguay in their final group match, but a 2-2 draw was not enough to get them through.

Martinez has won five senior international caps after making his debut against Honduras on August 10, 2011.