Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Colombia will look to build on a 3-0 win over Bolivia when they take on Venezuela in a highly-anticipated World Cup qualifier. Los Cafeteros are sitting just above the playoffs place, and they are likely to fight tooth and nail in Wednesday’s showdown. Everton defender Yerry Mina has been ruled out with injury, as well as Atalanta attacker Duvan Zapata, while his teammate Luis Muriel should continue to lead the line for the visiting side.
Anyhow, away win should be considered, as Colombia are desperate to secure a top-five finish. La Vinotinto, on the other hand, have nothing to play for in the last two group games as they are stuck at the bottom of the table. Head coach Jose Pekerman is likely to mix the squad, which is yet another reason why we are tempted to put our money on los Cafeteros.
Highlighted Player (Josef Martinez):
Josef Martinez started his senior career at Caracas, but he made no more than 36 league appearances for the Venezuelan outfit from 2010 to 2012. Martinez then moved to Europe and the 170-cm tall striker scored 4 goals in 34 appearances for the capital club. In the 2013/2014 season he played for fellow Swiss outfit Thun (on loan) and on June 7, 2014 he signed a contract with Serie A team Torino.
In December, 2017 Josef Martinez scored his first ever goal in the Italian top flight in a 2-2 draw with Palermo. The Venezuela international currently plays (on loan) for Atlanta United in MLS and he made his debut for Gerardo Martino’s team against New York Red Bulls. Speaking of his international career, Martinez made his Venezuela debut against El Salvador, coming from the bench after 76 minutes.
On November 10, 2016 he scored a hat-trick for La Vinotinto in a thrilling 5-0 victory over Bolivia and it has to be noted that he has four caps (two goals) for Venezuela U20 team.
Highlighted Team (Colombia):
Seleccion de futbol Colombia has stepped on to the international scene in 1938 with its competitive debut against Mexico. Colombia has in recent years become a national symbol of strength representing country’s efforts to fight the negative reputation.
Passionate about their football team, Colombians have formed a huge fan base which enjoyed in their team’s impressive run to the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals at the competition in which Real Madrid star James Rodriguez was awarded the Golden Boot for most goals and the Best Goal of the Tournament awards. Jose Pekerman’s team has also been named the Fair Play team at the same event.
The fans were pretty disappointed to see their team reach the quarter-final stage at the 2015 Copa America though as Colombia crashed out in disappointing fashion losing to Argentina after a penalty kick. Radamel Falcao remains the most prominent star of the current team despite his poor spells with Manchester United and Chelsea respectively. Monaco striker is also the team’s top scorer with 25 goals added to his name.