Venezuela could take part in the World Cup finals for the first time next summer. Three game days before the end, the South American qualification league is on Playoff-Platz.
With a 2-0 (2: 0) against Bolivia, Venezuela gave food for the first participation in a soccer World Cup finals. Before the three outstanding eliminatorias game days, the “Vinointos” are only three points behind ex-world champion Uruguay and Colombia, which failed in the second Friday game at 0-0 at home against Peru. Venezuela would take part in the intercontinental playoffs as the table seventh, but South America’s six direct tickets are now within reach.
A bizarre own goal, in which guest goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra left a back pass from Hector Cuellar (5th minute) through his legs, and the hit by Rekordtorjäger Salomon Rondon (30th) caused Venezuela’s second three after the last nine games without a win. Colombia, on the other hand, continued his downward trend and has been waiting for the next success for five games.
Venezuela’s record goal scorer and former Premier League striker (Newcastle and Everton) Salomon Rondo ensured the 2-0 final score.
Direct duel on Tuesday
On Tuesday, Venezuela (18 points), the only country in South America without the World Cup experience, can draw with Uruguay in direct duel. Colombia (both 21) is looking for the Revanche for the lost Copa-America final in the previous year with defending champion Argentina (34), which can no longer be taken first. Meanwhile, Brazil (22) could fly from the lottery of the six World Cup direct tickets for a new mistake against Paraguay (24, like Ecuador).
The Chilean national team, in 2015 and 2016, still South American champions, will probably miss participation in the World Cup for the third time in a row. Chile (10 points) is eight points behind Venezuala and Playoff-Platz.