The Colombian National Team will face Venezuela on Tuesday, March 29th in Estadio Cachamay, Puerto Ordaz, for the final match of the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers. Reinaldo Rueda's team, currently in sixth position with 20 points, one less than Peru, needs a series of results to secure a spot in the World Cup playoff.
YOU CAN READ: Australian press refers to the possibility of having Peru as an opponent in the playoff.
The Cafeteros arrive after a 3-0 victory against Bolivia in Barranquilla with goals from Luis Diaz, Miguel Borja, and Mateus Uribe, breaking a seven-match winless streak, with 4 goalless draws and three 1-0 defeats.
"We must focus on our own game and shield ourselves from the secondary results. It is not convenient to worry or inform players about the other matches," said Rueda in a press conference prior to the match.
What results does Colombia need to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup?
The Colombian team has two options to advance to the playoff:
- If they win: If Colombia wins against Venezuela by any result, they will have to wait for Peru to draw or lose against Paraguay to secure a spot in the playoff.
- If they draw: If Colombia draws against Venezuela, they will have to wait for Peru to lose in order to access the playoff.
- *If they lose: If Colombia loses, they will be out of the playoff.
How did Colombia perform in Venezuela?
Colombia has played eight matches in Venezuela for the Qualifiers, losing twice and drawing five times. The only victory of the Colombian team was over 25 years ago, on December 15, 1996, during the qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup in France. The goals were scored by Jorge "El Patrón" Bermúdez and Iván René Valenciano.