Venezuela shocks Colombia with furious start in Maturín
The South American qualifiers are always charged with emotion, and this clash between Venezuela and Colombia in Maturín was no exception. From the very first minute, the Venezuelan team came out with intensity, pressing hard, winning second balls, and showing that they were ready to fight for their dream of reaching a World Cup. The home crowd set the atmosphere, roaring with every play, and it didn’t take long before the stadium erupted in celebration.
Barely three minutes had passed when Telasco Segovia opened the score for Venezuela, taking advantage of a defensive mistake from Colombia. The Colombian defense, caught out of position, was punished immediately. Just as the visitors were trying to find their rhythm, another blow arrived. In the 12th minute, Josef Martínez made it 2-1 after capitalizing on a rebound left by goalkeeper Kevin Mier. His finish sparked even more noise inside the Monumental de Maturín, where fans felt history was being written.
Also Read:In between those Venezuelan goals, Colombia had managed a brief moment of joy. At the 10th minute, Yerry Mina rose above the defense and connected perfectly with a header from a James Rodríguez corner. That equalizer gave Colombia some breathing room, but the relief lasted just two minutes. Venezuela’s aggressive, direct play kept exposing Colombia’s defensive fragility.
By the midway point of the first half, Colombia held more possession—over 55 percent—but Venezuela was ruthless. Every time they reached the box, danger turned into goals. For Colombia, frustration grew when a potential handball inside the Venezuelan area was ignored. The players and bench protested, but the referee kept the game moving.
Despite already being qualified for the 2026 World Cup after their 3-0 victory over Bolivia, Colombia entered this final match with the goal of climbing higher in the standings. Coach Néstor Lorenzo had made several changes in the lineup, mixing experienced names like James and Luis Díaz with other players eager to prove themselves. But on this night, the urgency and hunger were clearly on the Venezuelan side. For them, this was about staying alive in the battle for the playoff spot, a chance at making their first-ever World Cup.
The match carried more than just three points. For Colombia, it was about closing strong, staying sharp, and preparing for what awaits in North America in 2026. For Venezuela, it was about pride, history, and the hope of reaching new heights. The first half told the story of a Colombia surprised by Venezuela’s fury, while the “Vinotinto” showed that belief and determination can shake even established rivals.
As the game continued, the tension in Maturín only grew. What was clear is that this encounter wasn’t just another qualifier—it was a reminder of how much football means in South America, where every ball, every tackle, and every goal can carry the weight of a nation’s dream.
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