Venezuela need to do a sterling job to renew the nation’s hopes of finally seeing their side amongst the football elite.
Venezuela’s Darwin Machins (11) celebrates scoring a goal with Jon Aramburu (16) and Jefferson Savarino (7) during the Italy vs. Venezuela International Friendly match. (Image via Getty)
New Delhi: The 2024 Copa America is chock full of stories with more to come once the ball kicks off in the United States of America (USA) on June 20. Since Group B has no favourites to top the group, all four teams would believe they have what it takes to progress. Ecuador and Venezuela will be representing the CONMEBOL while Mexico and Jamaica are two of the six CONCACAF teams that will feature in the 2024 tournament.
Venezuela are heading into their 20th appearance at the Copa America. They have been a constant part of the tournament since 1967 but remain one of two nations alongside Ecuador that have never won the trophy. Despite having a poor record in the continental competition, they still managed to reach the quarterfinals twice. Batista Fernando has a mix of experience and youthful energy within his squad.
Venezuela will rely more on the likes of Yangel Herrera, Jefferson Savarino and Salomon Rondo. 26-year-old Herrera who has been an integral part of the Girona squad that secured Champions League football for the next season will be a key player for the team.
Savarino will also be no stranger to playing in the USA having spent time in the MLS. La Vinotinto will be looking to rewrite their history at Copa America even if their chances seem slim.
Venezuela’s Copa America 2024 squad
Fernando Batista’s 30-man preliminary squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Rafael Romo, Alain Baroja, Joel Graterol, Jose Contreras
Defenders: Alexander Gonzalez, Jhon Chancellor, Wilker Angel, Yordan Osorio, Nahuel Ferraresi, Miguel Navarro, Christian Makoun, Jon Aramburu, Carlos Vivas
Midfielders: Thomas Rincon, Darwin Machis, Jhon Murillo, Yeferson Soteldo, Jefferson Savarino, Yangel Herrera, Cristian Casseres, Jose Andres Martinez, Eduard Bello, Samuel Sosa, Daniel Pereira, Telasco Segovia, Kervin Andrade, Matias Lacava
Forwards: Salomon Rondon, Eric Ramirez, Jhonder Cadiz
Player to watch out for: Salomon Rondon
Venezuela forward Salomon Rondon (23) runs on the pitch during the Italy vs. Venezuela International Friendly match 2024. (Photo- Getty Images)
Venezuela will strongly be counting on Rondon, who has scored 41 goals in 104 appearances and is the country’s all-time top goal scorer. Even in the current domestic season, he has scored 19 goals and 3 assists in 28 appearances for Mexican club Pachuca.
Rondon has represented Venezuela in four Copa Americas and helped them reach fourth place in 2011. His experience will be a great asset to the team and if he continues his form in the Copa, he could help them make it out of the group stages.
Young Shining Star: Kervin Mario Andrade Navarro
Miguel Navarro of Venezuela runs for the ball during the international friendly match between Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. (Images via Getty Images)
Kervin Mario Andrade Navarro, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder can make a major difference for Venezuela if used wisely by Fernando Batista. In the current Serie A season, he scored five goals and provided three assists in 13 appearances for Brazilian club Fortaleza EC.
Navarro made his debut for Venezuela on March 24, 2024, in a friendly match against Guatemala. In very little time he has shown the football world the potential he holds. Navarro, in the late minutes, can add speed to the central field and help push opponents by building pressure.
Prediction
Venezuela’s last appearance at the tournament ended in the group stage which was barely surprising knowing they have crumbled at the first stage in 14 of their 19 appearances. Although the odds remain firmly stacked against them, they are determined to upset the apple cart. With a blend of emerging talent and experienced players, Venezuela has the potential to defy expectations.
Source link : https://www.news9live.com/sports/football/copa-america-2024-team-preview-venezuela-aim-to-shed-whipping-boys-tag-2574032/amp
Author :
Publish date : 2024-06-12 08:30:48
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
