Venezuela Aims for Upset Against Colombia in Final Qualifier
The Venezuelan national team, led by José Néstor Pekerman, is gearing up for their final South American Qualifier match against Colombia on March 29th in Puerto Ordaz. This clash carries meaningful weight for venezuela, who are seeking redemption after a resounding 3-0 defeat in Barranquilla during the opening round.
Star striker Salomón Rondón, who was absent for the first encounter, is determined to make amends.In a recent interview with directv Sports total Soccer, rondón emphasized the importance of the match, stating that Venezuela will attack Colombia relentlessly. He even went as far as saying that if he had to choose between facing Uruguay, Colombia, or Peru, he wouldn’t want to face any of them.
Venezuela’s schedule before the Colombia match includes a trip to Argentina. Rondón believes that Peru might be the most approachable opponent, while Colombia presents a tougher challenge.
The Colombian team, currently struggling and possibly facing elimination after a crucial match against Bolivia, might arrive in Puerto Ordaz demoralized. However, Rondón acknowledges the quality of the Colombian squad, describing it as one of the best generations he has seen. He expressed surprise at their current predicament, stating that he didn’t anticipate seeing them in such a challenging position.
Rondón, who recently scored a hat-trick against Bolivia, is eager to find the net against Colombia after being held scoreless in their previous encounter. Venezuela,currently at the bottom of the qualifying table with 10 points,will be looking to end their campaign on a high note. Can they pull off an upset against a wounded Colombian side? Only time will tell.
Can Venezuela Pull Off One Last Shock Against Colombia? A Conversation with Former Striker Rafael Dudamel
Welcome back too the Penalty Box, where we dissect the hottest topics in South American football. Today, we have a special guest, former Venezuelan international and acclaimed goalkeeper Rafael Dudamel, joining us to discuss the upcoming clash between Venezuela and Colombia in the final round of South American World Cup qualifiers.
Rafael, welcome to the show!
Rafael Dudamel: A pleasure to be here.
Let’s dive straight into it. Venezuela is set to face Colombia in Puerto Ordaz. Many see this as a David vs Goliath battle, considering venezuela’s position at the bottom of the table. What are your thoughts on venezuela’s chances of pulling off an upset?
RD: Look, on paper, Colombia has the stronger squad. but football is played on the pitch,not on paper. Venezuela has shown glimpses of their potential, and with Salomón Rondón back in the fold, they have a real threat upfront.
Colombia is struggling, and a demoralized team can be vulnerable. A win against Bolivia doesn’t erase their other shortcomings. Venezuela has nothing to lose and everything to gain,so I wouldn’t write them off just yet.
Moderator: Speaking of Salomón Rondón, he’s been vocal about wanting to make amends for the 3-0 loss to Colombia earlier in the qualifiers. He even mentioned that he wouldn’t want to face Colombia, Peru, or Uruguay if he had to choose. Do you think that’s just pre-match bravado, or does it reflect a genuine fear within the Venezuelan camp?
RD: I think it’s more about motivation.
Rondón is a passionate player, and he wants to prove a point. He knows he wasn’t there for the first game, and he wants to lead the team to a good result. He’s right to respect Colombia, they are a quality side. But every striker wants to score against the ‘big’ teams,and Rondón will be fired up for this match.
Moderator: You mentioned Colombia’s struggles.They’re in real danger of missing out on the World Cup. Do you think that pressure will work in venezuela’s favour?
RD: absolutely.
Colombia is a team used to qualifying comfortably. This pressure cooker situation is unfamiliar territory for them,and it could lead to mistakes. Venezuela needs to exploit that vulnerability.
Moderator: Venezuela’s schedule before the Colombia clash includes a tough trip to Argentina. Rondón has mentioned peru as a perhaps more approachable opponent. could this be a factor?
RD: Yes, facing argentina away is no easy feat. it’s a vastly experienced squad with world-class players. The outcome of that match could influence Venezuela’s approach against colombia.
But again, they have nothing to lose.They can go out there and play freely, which could be perilous for Colombia.
Moderator:
Rafael, thank you for your time and insights. this match promises to be a thriller with high stakes for both teams. what’s your final prediction? Can Venezuela pull off one last upset?
RD: It’s going to be a tough one. Colombia on paper has the advantage, but Venezuela has the home crowd and momentum. If they can capitalize on Colombia’s mistakes and Rondón finds his scoring boots, I wouldn’t be surprised to see an upset.
Let’s hear from you, our viewers! What are your thoughts on the venezuela vs Colombia clash? Can Venezuela make history, or will Colombia slip through despite their struggles?
Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
