Venezuela vs Brazil: Venezuela hosts Brazil in a highly anticipated World Cup qualifier at the Monumental stadium in Maturín. Brazil currently stands as a strong contender with its historical advantage, while Venezuela aims to leverage its recent solid home performances.

Venezuela vs Brazil Head-to-Head

Brazil wins: 8

Venezuela wins: 1

Draws: 4

Last 5 Meetings:

• • October 2023: Brazil 1-1 Venezuela
  • October 2021: Venezuela 1-3 Brazil
  • June 2021: Brazil 3-0 Venezuela
  • November 2020: Brazil 1-0 Venezuela
  • June 2019: Brazil 0-0 Venezuela

Standings

• Brazil: 4th place with 16 points, a positive goal difference of +6.
• Venezuela: 8th place with 11 points, goal difference of -2.

Lineups

Venezuela Possible XI:
Romo; Gonzalez, R. Ramirez, Ferraresi, Aramburu; Martinez, Rincon, Herrera; Soteldo, Rondon, Savarino

Brazil Possible XI:
Ederson; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Abner; Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes; Luiz Henrique, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior; Igor Jesus

Key Players

• Venezuela: Yeferson Soteldo has been a creative force, leading with 3 assists. Salomon Rondon provides experience and an aerial threat.
• Brazil: Bruno Guimaraes, the top assister for Brazil with 2 assists, is crucial in midfield. Vinicius Junior brings speed and finishing ability to Brazil’s forward line.

Key Stats

1. Brazil scores 1.6 goals on average against Venezuela; Venezuela averages 0.4 goals against Brazil.
2. Brazil has not lost to Venezuela in their last 5 qualifiers.
3. The last meeting between the teams ended in a 1-1 draw.
4. Brazil scores 27% of their goals between the 46th and 60th minute.
5. Venezuela has kept an unbeaten record in their last 5 home matches.
6. Brazil has scored in only 3 of their 5 away qualifying matches.
7. Venezuela’s home record in qualifiers: 2 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses.
8. When Venezuela leads 1-0 at home, they’ve maintained a 100% win rate.
9. Brazil wins 35% of first halves; Venezuela, 7%.
10. In recent head-to-head matches, the average number of goals scored is 2.

SWOT Analysis: Venezuela vs. Brazil – World Cup CONMEBOL Qualification

Venezuela

Strengths

• Strong Home Record: Venezuela is unbeaten at home in this qualification round, boasting a 2-3-0 record. The home support has boosted their morale, which will be a key factor against Brazil.
• Defensive Resilience: Despite their lower position, Venezuela has shown solid defense at home, conceding fewer goals compared to their away games. This defensive stability may help them contain Brazil’s potent attack.
• Key Playmaker: Yeferson Soteldo has been instrumental with three assists, demonstrating his ability to create chances even when the team struggles to score.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistent Attack: Venezuela has scored only 8 goals across 10 games, and they’ve failed to score in two of their five home games. Their low scoring average of 0.67 goals per home game highlights their challenge in finding the net.
• Struggles Against Top Teams: Historically, Venezuela has found it difficult to compete with higher-ranked teams like Brazil. With only one win in their last 14 encounters, they struggle to convert performances into wins.
• Poor First Half Performances: Venezuela wins the first half only 7% of the time, a statistic that could put them at an early disadvantage against a Brazilian side that often performs well in the first half.

Opportunities

• Chance to Capitalize on Brazil’s Away Form: Brazil has failed to score in two of their five away games, which may give Venezuela the opportunity to take control, especially if they manage to keep a clean sheet in the first half.
• Exploit Set-Pieces: Venezuela can exploit their home advantage with set-pieces and take advantage of any lapses in Brazil’s defense, especially if they manage to disrupt Brazil’s rhythm early on.

Threats

• Brazil’s High-Intensity Midfield: Brazil’s midfielders, particularly Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta, pose a serious threat with their creative and defensive contributions. If Venezuela can’t keep up in midfield, they may face high pressure.
• Second-Half Pressure: Brazil scores a significant percentage of their goals between the 46th and 60th minute, which could be challenging for Venezuela if they fatigue in the second half.
• Dependence on Defensive Stamina: If Brazil breaks Venezuela’s defensive line early, it could be challenging for Venezuela to recover and mount an effective counter.

Brazil

Strengths

• Goal-Scoring Ability: Brazil averages 1.67 goals in away games and has a goal-scoring advantage over Venezuela, scoring 27 goals across their last 14 meetings. With strong attacking players like Raphinha and Vinicius Junior, Brazil remains potent.
• Dominant Record vs. Venezuela: Brazil has historically dominated Venezuela, with nine wins and only one loss in their last 14 matchups, which gives them confidence going into the match.
• Midfield Quality: Players like Bruno Guimaraes contribute both defensively and offensively, while Lucas Paqueta offers creativity. This midfield superiority could help Brazil control the pace and flow of the game.

Weaknesses

• Away Goal Droughts: Brazil has failed to score in two of their five away games, showing inconsistency in their offensive output when away from home.
• Susceptible to Defensive Lapses: Brazil has conceded in nine of their last 10 games, indicating vulnerability in defense that Venezuela could exploit, especially during set-pieces or counter-attacks.

Opportunities

• Quick First-Half Goals: Brazil wins the first half 35% of the time and tends to start strong, which they could leverage to put early pressure on Venezuela, potentially securing an early lead.
• Second-Half Dominance: Brazil scores 27% of their goals between the 46th and 60th minute, and maintaining momentum during this period could turn the game in their favor if they are able to press effectively.
• Increased Scoring Opportunities with Vinicius Junior and Raphinha: With pacey attackers like Vinicius and Raphinha, Brazil can exploit any gaps in Venezuela’s defense, especially on the wings.

Threats

• Venezuela’s Stubborn Defense at Home: Venezuela has kept a decent defensive record in their home games, and if they’re able to absorb Brazil’s attacks, it could lead to a frustrating night for Brazil.
• Venezuela’s Recent Draw Against Brazil: Their last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw, showing that Venezuela can hold Brazil at bay. A repeat could cost Brazil valuable qualification points.
• High Stakes: As Brazil currently sits in fourth, any dropped points could hinder their qualification standing. This pressure may influence their play if they can’t establish control early.

Venezuela vs Brazil Match Prediction

Brazil’s strength in attack and historical dominance over Venezuela make them the favorites, but Venezuela’s strong home form could help them hold off Brazil’s advances. A close match is expected, with Brazil likely to edge out with a narrow win or a possible draw.

Prediction: Brazil to win 2-1.

Where to Watch Venezuela vs Brazil

• Free Live Stream: Watch live on ScoreBat

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