Colombia vs Venezuela: TV station, live stream, teams news & prediction
Colombia and Venezuela are set to face off in the second matchday of the 2021 Copa America at the Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico on Thursday.
While Venezuela lost their opening match 3-0 against host nation Brazil, Colombia narrowly edged out Ecuador with a goal from Boca Juniors sensation Edwin Cardona. Venezuela’s Covid outbreak days before the tournament forced twelve players out, creating chaos and roster changes. Colombia faced Covid repercussions as well, relinquishing the title of host nation to Brazil after the country’s case numbers surged.
A win for Colombia would almost guarantee a spot in the knockout stages, while Venezuela must fight to remain competitive.
Here's everything you need to know about the match…
What TV station is Colombia vs Venezuela on?
When is kick off? Thursday 17 June, 5pm (ET)
Where is the match being played? Olimpico Pedro Ludovico, Goiânia
What TV channel is it on? Fox Sports 1, Univision
What live stream is it on? TUDN app, Univision NOW, Fox Sports app
Colombia team news
Even prior to their opponent’s unfortunate outbreak, Colombia entered the match as clear favorites. They have dominated the Vinotinto for the past six years with their offensive line.
At the back, Yerry Mina provides reassurance after playing a prominent role in Colombia’s initial win against Ecuador. Davinson Sanchez hopes to feature after a solid performance against Ecuador and one of Colombia’s most improved players on the pitch.
As for the offense, Colombia has a lot of options to choose from. Depth is one the nation’s assets going into this tournament against countries with a dangerously superficial bench.
Venezuela team news
Days prior to kick off, Venezuela had a Covid outbreak that forced 12 players to register as positive and subsequently drop from the initial roster. Manchester City loanee Yangel Herrera is finally back for Venezuela though, after missing the tournament’s opener.
The team’s main midfielders Tomas Rincon and Romulo Otero were within those 12 Covid positive players, leaving Venezuela in a tough spot on the pitch.
The focal point of the night will be Hererra as he hopes to stand out with this opportunity.
Predicted lineups
Colombia: Ospina; Tesillo, Sanchez, Mina, Medina; Lerma, Cuellar, Uribe; Muriel, Cuadrado, Morelos.
Venezuela: Graterol; Cumana, La Mantia, Martinez, Gonzalez; Mago, Moreno; Casseres, Manzano, Herrera; Aristeguieta.
Colombia vs Venezuela head-to-head record
Venezuela has yet to defeat Colombia in a Copa America match since their miraculous 1-0 victory in 2015. Since then, the two nations have met five times outside of the tournament, where Colombia leads with three wins and two draws.
The Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon has scored two of his nation’s last three goals against Colombia, however, he failed to make the roster.
Prediction
Given the situation, it is safe to say Colombia is a clear favorite walking onto the pitch on Thursday. Venezuela’s limited resources might prove to be a grave problem against a nation that has too many offensive options to choose from.
The two nations’ track record against each other also suggests that Colombia will overpower Venezuela quite easily.
Prediction: 3-0