Colombia vs Venezuela
South America – 2018 World Cup Qualifier
Date: Thursday; 1-September-2016
Kick-off: 21:30 UK
Venue: Metropolitano Roberto Melendez (Barranquilla).


Colombia and Venezuela are at the opposite end of the World Cup qualification table when they resume their campaign on Thursday, 1st of September 2016.

Colombia are fifth and occupy the final qualifications spot with 10 points from their six matches so far. They won 3, lost 2 and drawn 1 during the period. And it will an interesting battle as Brazil and Paraguay are chasing them at a one point gap.

Jose Pekerman remains as the head-coach after their mediocre success in the Copa America Centenario 2016 in USA. The Los Cafeteros were eliminated by Chile in the semi-final and a win against USA guaranteed them a third placed finish.

Venezuela are rock bottom in the qualification table with just 1 point from their six matches so far. They are yet to win a games and lost five and six during the period.

Their head-coach Rafael Dudamel has been given an extended run as the team had show some positives during the Copa America Centenario tournament in the United States. They reached the quarter finals of the tournament unbeaten with wins against Jamaica and Uruguay and a draw against Mexico. They eventually bow out of the tournament after suffering a heavy 4-1 loss to Argentina.

Colombia vs Venezuela: Head-to-Head

  • The latest meeting between the two sides was during the group phase of Copa America 2015. Venezuela were surprise winners by a 1-0 margin on that occasion.
  • During the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification fixtures, Venezuela remain unbeaten with a 1-0 win at home and a 1-1 draw away at Colombia.
  • Colombia last four home fixtures against Venezuela in the qualification round reads 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss.
  • Only one of the last 12 meetings between these sides have seen over 2.5 goals.

Colombia vs Venezuela: Prediction

Colombia could boast of a very talented squad with the likes of James Rodriguez and Carlos Bacca hardly disappoints in the national colors. Also under the tutelage of Jose Pekerman they are a much disciplined side and are rock solid at the back. With plenty of skilful players in midfield it will not be a problem for the men in yellow to find goals here. Especially when it is played in front of their home crowd.

Venezuela are a vulnerable and inconsistent team when it comes to the World Cup qualifying matches. They are traditionally a poor away team with one win from their last 13 games in  the qualifying stages. This all points to a comfortable victory for Colombia on Thursday night.


I will be also backing my correct score prediction of a 2-0 win for Colombia at 5/1 (6.00).

Colombia vs Venezuela: Betting Tips

Colombia to win at 2/5 (1.40).
First Half – Colombia at 5/6 (1.83).