Josef Martinez and Venezuela host Colombia in World Cup Qualifying action

If you want to watch Atlanta’s Josef Martinez in action during this international break, you should watch Venezuela host current second-place Colombia today in their 2018 World Cup qualifier match.

Last match:

Colombia 2-0 Venezuela (September 1, 2016)

A goal from James Rodriguez in stoppage time of the first half and a score from Macnelly Torres in the 80^th minute gave los Cafeteros three points against Venezuela in their last encounter. Venezuela’s goalkeeper Daniel Hernandez stopped two penalty kicks, but la Vinotinto failed to create any offensive opportunities. Martinez played the entire 90 minutes for Venezuela.

Highlights:

Preview:

Colombia, currently with 24 points, holds a one-point lead over Uruguay and Chile and will look keep such lead after this match. Reports point that Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez will miss the match due to a thigh injury that he picked up with Bayern Munich on August 1 against Liverpool, but manager Jose Pekerman hasn’t completely ruled him out.

Despite being at home, la Vinotinto looks to be the underdog as they sit in last place with six points and have earned only one victory and three draws in 14 matches. Venezuela are eliminated from contention for a spot in the upcoming World Cup, but will look to spoil the party for Colombia, just like they did back in 2013 when they came victorious with a 1-0 result. Venezuela is led by Martinez, who is currently tied as the fourth-best goal scorer in CONMEBOL with five goals.

Fun fact:

Venezuela’s last defeat on home soil against Colombia in a WCQ was on December 15, 1996. Colombia came away with a 2-0 victory and the match was played at the same venue that the match will take place today.

How to watch:

Venue: Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo San Cristobal (VEN)

Kickoff Time: 5:00 P.M. ET

Available TV: Bein Sports ñ (Spanish)

Available Stream: Go90 app (no subscription required on mobile or tablet)