CONMEBOL World Cup 2014 Qualifying, Matchday 3: Uruguay, Paraguay Win; Draws For Colombia and Argentina

Venezuela proved in that game that they have the chops to beat anyone, but if their first round loss to Ecuador is any indication, they’re not the same team on the road as they are at home. Ecuador are a solid, but unspectacular side who most do not favor to qualify for the World Cup. If Venezuela has any ambitions of qualifying, it’s a team they should be competitive with on the road. That was not the case on Matchday 1.

Between Venezuela’s improving squad and an injury to Radamel Falcao, the visitors should have a fighting chance. However, Colombia have an adequate replacement in Jackson Martinez, a very deep squad, and a solid home record. They’re the deserved favorites, and their visitors will be thrilled if they can get a point.

Both teams have favored variations on a base 3-4-3 setup, but with so many first choice players out for both teams, who knows what the managers will do with their formations and other tactics? Everything is a guessing game with this many key players out, so we’re just going to have to wait and see what happens.

Falcao will be replaced in the starting lineup by Jackson Martinez, a similar player in style of play and body type. Martinez plays his club football for Jaguares de Chiapas, who have qualified for the playoffs in the Mexican Primera Division. Martinez is in excellent form for Jaguares, has extensive experience in the Copa Libertadores, and has scored five times in ten appearances for Colombia. There’s no way to directly replace the best striker in Colombia and the all-time record holder for goals in a European competition, but Martinez isn’t a terrible second choice option.