Fuente: © FIFA (English)
http://www.fifa.com/

WORLD CUP: Venezuela dream of maiden finals

/noticias.info/ Venezuela are the only South American side to have never competed at the FIFA World Cup™ finals, but they may not have that dubious distinction much longer. In fact, if the region's qualifying campaign ended today, the Vinotinto would take one of the continent's playoff berths for South Africa 2010.

Under former coach Richard Paez, who held the reins from 2001 until November last year, Venezuela made steady progress, culminating in their impressive showing at the Copa America 2007 on home soil. And while Paez's surprise resignation cast a shadow over the team's immediate prospects, the impact of replacement Cesar Arias has given the fans license to dream again.

Read on as FIFA.com assesses Venezuela's start to the South American qualifiers for South Africa 2010.

Results
Ecuador 0 - 1 Venezuela
Venezuela 0 - 2 Argentina
Colombia 1 - 0 Venezuela
Venezuela 5 - 3 Bolivia

Positives
One of the team's most noteworthy features in recent years has been their conviction in sticking to a single style of play, irrespective of the venue, opposition or risks entailed. Unquestionably, it was this maturity and belief that was behind their historic win over Ecuador in Quito and stirring comeback against Bolivia in San Cristobal during the current campaign. If the Vinotinto are able to continue where they left off under previous coach Paez, it will confirm they are on the right track.

Negatives
A lack of composure in front of goal remains a concern. In the team's two defeats this campaign, against Argentina and Colombia, Venezuela spurned good scoring chances and ended up paying dearly. For a side that can struggle to carve out chances, this is a luxury they can ill afford.

Their finest hour
Venezuela5 - 3Bolivia
Goals:Venezuela: Daniel Arismendi (20' and 40'), Alejandro Guerra (82'), Giancarlos Maldonado (87' and 89').Bolivia: Marcelo Martins (19' and 78') and Juan Carlos Arce (27').

The Venezuelan faithful knew if they were to mount a bid for South Africa 2010, then a win at home against Bolivia was imperative. However, the task proved infinitely more difficult than expected, and the hosts had to come from behind three times. Yet the players kept their heads in what turned out to be Paez's last game in charge, two goals in a dramatic final three minutes securing a priceless victory.

The key men
The team's undisputed leader and talisman is Juan Arango, for many the best Venezuelan player of all time. The Mallorca midfielder has more than 30 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying games under his belt and is the man his team-mates look to both on and off the pitch. Gifted youngster Daniel Arismendi has proved a breath of fresh air up front, while the contributions of veteran defender Juan Manuel Rey and evergreen striker Giancarlos Maldonado should not be underestimated.

The numbers game
5: The number of games it took Venezuela to register their first win away to Ecuador in FIFA World Cup qualifying. Moreover, from 1993, when they first participated in CONMEBOL preliminaries, until their 1-0 win in Quito last October, the Vinotinto had not even managed a goal on Ecuadorian soil.

Next up
Uruguay-Venezuela
Venezuela-Chile

In conclusion
"We're working towards short, medium and long-term goals. Our immediate objective is qualification for the World Cup [in South Africa], but we need to think about what we'll do if and when we achieve that," Cesar Farias, Venezuela coach. notas_de_prensa_archivo