Colombia’s World Cup hopes were dealt a major blow on Tuesday, as the
national team suffered a painful 2-0 defeat by neighboring Venezuela.
The first half showed two rather equal sides but Colombia were struggling with Chilean referee Pablo Pozo, who controversially handed Abel Aguilar a second yellow card on just 25 minutes.
Both sides created good chances in the second half and Colombia, although a man down, never were the lesser team in Puerto Ordaz.
However, the Venezuelans took the lead on 77 minutes when Nicolás Fedor scored from close range following a left-winged pass.
Four minutes later, Juan Arango sent a perfect free kick past keeper Ospina to double the home side’s advantage.
Colombia do remain in sixth position but with six matches to go, and will not have the luxury or space to drop many more points if Eduardo Lara’s men want to make an appearance at next year’s World Cup in South Africa.