Venezuela Beats Colombia in World Cup Qualifying Match

Venezuela defeated Colombia yesterday in the South American qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup. The game was played in Cachamay Stadium in Puerto Ordaz, located the eastern state of Bolivar.

Colombia was one player short at the end of the game, due to a yellow card. The Venezuelan team took advantage of their extra man to win the game 2 – 0.

Substitute striker Nicolas Fedor, seen at left, was the first to score. Left-footed midfielder Juan Arango delivered the second goal on a free kick late in the game. Venezuela is currently in 8th place, just behind Colombia.

The vinotinto is keeping the dream alive! Stay tuned as they play Bolivia in June. Read a New York Times article about yesterday’s game.

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Venezuela Hosts Soccer Tournament, Defeats Peru 3 to 1

Hey soccer fans! On Sunday, Venezuela’s national team, the “vino tinto” emerged victorious against Peru after a hard-fought game. SoccerNews.com reports: “Venezuela too Strong for Peru.”

The FIFA Under-20 South America Cup is currently underway in Venezuela, and after Sunday’s win, the country is on course for a spot in the final game.

This is the fourth time Venezuela has hosted the regional sporting event, where rising stars of soccer showcase their talent.

The games will be held in three stadiums in the cities of Puerto Ordaz, Maturin and Puerto La Cruz which also hosted the 2007 Copa America (Americas Cup). The U-20 Cup will run for 35 games.

See more info in English and in Spanish

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Venezuela’s “Vino Tinto” Defeat Ecuador in Soccer

Venezuelans are not known for soccer, but that’s fine — they’re succeeding at it anyway.

The national team, nicknamed “el vino tinto” for the red-wine color of their uniforms, beat out Ecuador 3-1 yesterday to remain in the World Cup qualifiers. All three goals were scored in the second half, signaling a major comeback after four straight losses. Above, Alejandro Moreno and Gabriel Cichero celebrate their win.

Last Friday, “el vino tinto” lost to Brazil, a powerhouse team that Venezuela has managed to defeat only once. This time, Brazil earned an easy 4-0 victory, but still complained! Coach Dunga said his players were kept awake at night by loud partying while they were in Venezuela. “When we play away from home in the World Cup qualifiers, the whole country unites to try and make things as difficult as possible for Brazil,” he said.

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Venezuela’s Soccer Team Stuns Brazil: Goooool!

Last Friday, Venezuela finally beat Brazil at its own game: soccer.

During a friendly match ahead of World Cup qualifiers, the Venezuelan team earned a victory with a final score of 2-0. The game was held just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, an area that is home to many Brazilian immigrants. Over 50,000 people turned out to watch, but many left before it was over.

Venezuela’s national soccer team appears to be the one to watch in South America right now. Newspapers have recently pointed out that the country is the fastest-growing talent on the fútbol field. After Friday’s victory, coach Cesar Farias said, “I invite the whole country to dream.” He added, “This is a historic result… we have to keep our heads and keep our feet on the ground, but it shows what our country can do.” Read more in the Boston Globe.

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