Preview: Edging closer to the promise land, Brazil
The Chileans have struggled to find consistency in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. However, despite suffering six defeats in 13 matches, they remain in contention to play at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. This is mainly thanks to their remarkable form at home where they have won four of their six matches.
Venezuela, meanwhile, cannot pride themselves in the outcome of their away adventures. Their only victory in seven attempts came away to rock bottom side Paraguay. In total, La Vinotinto has picked only six points from a possible 21 on away soil.
Stealing points against Chile looks like a difficult task knowing that the latter have not been held to a draw since the start of the South American World Cup qualifying campaign. It would take a lot of efforts from the 2007 Copa America hosts to emulate Radamel Falcao’s Colombia and Lionel Messi’s Argentina by registering a win in Santiago this Friday.
This prospect is real, though, with Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli forced to make several late changes to his squad. For example, the long awaited return of veteran striker Humberto Suazo will not happen on Friday due to a surprise injury. Junior Fernandez of Dinamo Zagreb will have to fill the void.
Chile-Venezuela will be similar to a knockout match since both teams chase 2014 World Cup tickets. With 21 points, the hosts could soon cement their place in the automatic qualification zone. The visitors, meanwhile, are locked on 16 points with current fifth-placed team Uruguay.
Chile’s home results in the South American World Cup qualifiers:
October 11, 2011: Chile 4-2 Peru
November 15, 2011: Chile 2-0 Paraguay
September 11, 2012: Chile 1-3 Colombia
October 16, 2012: Chile 1-2 Argentina
March 26, 2013: Chile 2-0 Uruguay
June 11, 2013: Chile 3-1 Bolivia
Venezuela’s away results in the South American World Cup qualifiers:
October 7, 2011: Ecuador 2-0 Venezuela
November 11, 2011: Colombia 1-1 Venezuela
June 2, 2012: Uruguay 1-1 Venezuela
September 7, 2012: Peru 2-1 Venezuela
September 11, 2012: Paraguay 0-2 Venezuela
March 22, 2013: Argentina 3-0 Venezuela
June 7, 2013: Bolivia 1-1 Venezuela
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Chile vs Venezuela live on Friday, September 6, 2013:
In USA at 20:30 ET on: beIN Sport en Español, beIN Sport Play
Internationally on: William Hill Live (live stream)
For live scores and full TV listings, please visit the Chile-Venezuela match page.
