- Round 1 of FIFA World Cup qualifying continued in South America
- Atalanta pair lead Colombia past Venezuela, brilliant Brazil breeze past Bolivia
- Review all the action with FIFA.com
South American qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ continued with two intriguing fixtures on Friday evening. Colombia, who reached the knockout stage at Russia 2018, beat Venezuela, a team that has integrated some of the players that finished runners-up at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017. In the later game, record champions Brazil got their Qatar 2022 qualifying journey off to a scintillating start against Bolivia.
There will be celebrations across Colombia but perhaps also over 9,000 kilometres away in Bergamo as two Atalanta players scored all of the goals for Los Cafeteros in Barranquilla. Duvan Zapata opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing off a well-worked team goal as James Rodriguez sent in a through pass to Juan Cuadrado on the right wing and the Juventus star found Zapata with a low and driven teasing cross.
Zapata’s Atalanta team-mate Luis Muriel doubled their lead just over ten minutes later when Johan Mojica, himself an Atalanta player on loan from Girona, found him with a low cross. Muriel added a second on the night right before the break finishing after an impressive run. It was the first time that Zapata and Muriel had scored in the same match for Colombia, capping off a nearly-perfect night had it not been for Santiago Arias suffering what appeared to be a serious ankle injury early in the match.
Over in Sao Paulo, Brazil were in scintillating form, which was bad news for Bolivia. Marquinhos opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a thunderous header from a pinpoint, curling Danilo cross. Brazil's second and third goals were both ultimately tap-ins by Roberto Firmino but they showcased the team's chemistry with both sequences involving impressive build-up play. Substitute Rodrygo played a big part in forcing an own goal by Jorge Carrasco and Neymar, who had two assists on the night, found Coutinho with a perfectly-weighted, lofted cross and the Barcelona man did the rest and headed home from close range.
FINAL SCORES
Colombia 3-0 Venezuela
Brazil 5-0 Bolivia
South American World Cup qualifying highlights (9 October 2020)
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![Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring]()
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring
09 Oct 2020
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - OCTOBER 08: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team with a penalty kick during a match between Argentina and Ecuador as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on October 08, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Agustin Marcarian - Pool/Getty Images)
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![Duván Zapata of Colombia celebrates after scoring]()
Duván Zapata of Colombia celebrates after scoring
10 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: Duván Zapata of Colombia celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team with teammate Juan Cuadrado and James RodrÃguez during a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
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![Neymar Jr. of Brazil reacts during a match between Brazil and Bolivia]()
Neymar Jr. of Brazil reacts during a match between Brazil and Bolivia
10 Oct 2020
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 09: Neymar Jr. of Brazil reacts during a match between Brazil and Bolivia as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 09, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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![Empty seats of Neo Quimica Arena before a match between Brazil and Bolivia]()
Empty seats of Neo Quimica Arena before a match between Brazil and Bolivia
10 Oct 2020
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 09: Empty seats of Neo Quimica Arena before a match between Brazil and Bolivia as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 on October 09, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The game will be played behind closed doors due to coronavirus restrictions. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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![Brazil v Bolivia - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022]()
Brazil v Bolivia - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022
10 Oct 2020
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 09: Neymar Jr. of Brazil warms up before a match between Brazil and Bolivia as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 09, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Amanda Perobelli - Pool/Getty Images)
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![Players of Bolivia and Brazil line up during the national anthems]()
Players of Bolivia and Brazil line up during the national anthems
10 Oct 2020
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 09: Players of Bolivia and Brazil line up during the national anthems ceremony before a match between Brazil and Bolivia as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 09, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Amanda Perobelli - Pool/Getty Images)
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![Brazil v Bolivia - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022]()
Brazil v Bolivia - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022
10 Oct 2020
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 09: Players of Brazil and Bolivia huddle before a match between Brazil and Bolivia as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 09, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Amanda Perobelli - Pool/Getty Images)
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![Tite coach of Brazil walks onto the field]()
Tite coach of Brazil walks onto the field
10 Oct 2020
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 09: Tite coach of Brazil walks onto the field before a match between Brazil and Bolivia as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 09, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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![Brazil v Bolivia - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022]()
Brazil v Bolivia - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022
10 Oct 2020
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 09: Renan Lodi of Brazilf ights for the ball with Cristhian Arabe of Bolivia during a match between Brazil and Bolivia as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 09, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Amanda Perobelli - Pool/Getty Images)
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![Marquinhos of Brazil celebrates after scoring]()
Marquinhos of Brazil celebrates after scoring
10 Oct 2020
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 09: Marquinhos of Brazil celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during a match between Brazil and Bolivia as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 09, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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![The sign of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers prior to a match between Colombia and Venezuela]()
The sign of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers prior to a match between Colombia and Venezuela
09 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: The sign of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers prior to a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
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![Colombia v Venezuela - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022]()
Colombia v Venezuela - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022
09 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: The official match ball prior to a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
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![Davinson Sánchez of Colombia enters the pitch prior to a match]()
Davinson Sánchez of Colombia enters the pitch prior to a match
09 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: Davinson Sánchez of Colombia enters the pitch prior to a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Mauricio Dueñas-Pool/Getty Images)
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![Players of Venezuela huddle prior to a match]()
Players of Venezuela huddle prior to a match
09 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: Players of Venezuela huddle prior to a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
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![Colombia v Venezuela - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022]()
Colombia v Venezuela - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022
10 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: Santiago Arias of Colombia leaves the pitch in a stretcher during a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Mauricio Dueñas-Pool/Getty Images)
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![Juan Cuadrado of Colombia fights for the ball with Darwin Machis of Venezuela]()
Juan Cuadrado of Colombia fights for the ball with Darwin Machis of Venezuela
09 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: Juan Cuadrado of Colombia fights for the ball with Darwin Machis of Venezuela during a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
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![Colombia v Venezuela - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022]()
Colombia v Venezuela - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022
10 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: Duván Zapata of Colombia celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
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![Luis Muriel of Colombia celebrates after scoring]()
Luis Muriel of Colombia celebrates after scoring
10 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: Luis Muriel of Colombia celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
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![Paraguay's Angel Romero celebrate after scoring against Peru]()
Paraguay's Angel Romero celebrate after scoring against Peru
12 Oct 2020
Paraguay's Angel Romero celebrate after scoring against Peru at the South American qualifier for Qatar 2022. Photo: Rudy Lezcar / FPF
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![Angel Romero of Paraguay competes for the ball with Luis AdviÂncula of Peru during a match between Paraguay and Peru as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022.]()
Angel Romero of Paraguay competes for the ball with Luis AdviÂncula of Peru during a match between Paraguay and Peru as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022.
12 Oct 2020
ASUNCION, PARAGUAY - OCTOBER 08: Angel Romero of Paraguay competes for the ball with Luis AdviÂncula of Peru during a match between Paraguay and Peru as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Defensores del Chaco on October 08, 2020 in Asuncion, Paraguay. (Photo by Luis Vera/Getty Images)
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![Luis Muriel of Colombia celebrates after scoring]()
Luis Muriel of Colombia celebrates after scoring
10 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: Luis Muriel of Colombia celebrates after scoring the third goal of his team with teammate Duván Zapata during a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Raul Arboleda-Pool/Getty Images)
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![Players of Colombia huddle prior to a match]()
Players of Colombia huddle prior to a match
09 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: Players of Colombia huddle prior to a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
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![The official match ball prior to a match between Colombia and Venezuela]()
The official match ball prior to a match between Colombia and Venezuela
09 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: The official match ball prior to a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Raul Arboleda-Pool/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Alexis Sanchez #7 of Chile celebrates with teammates]()
Alexis Sanchez #7 of Chile celebrates with teammates
09 Oct 2020
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - OCTOBER 08: Alexis Sanchez #7 of Chile celebrates with teammates after scoring the first goal of his team during a match between Uruguay and Chile as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Centenario Stadium on October 08, 2020 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Raul Martinez -Pool/Getty Images)
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![Luis Suarez of Uruguay celebrates after scoring]()
Luis Suarez of Uruguay celebrates after scoring
08 Oct 2020
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - OCTOBER 08: Luis Suarez of Uruguay celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during a match between Uruguay and Chile as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Centenario Stadium on October 08, 2020 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Raul Martinez -Pool/Getty Images)
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![Maximiliano Gomez of Uruguay celebrates after scoring]()
Maximiliano Gomez of Uruguay celebrates after scoring
09 Oct 2020
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - OCTOBER 08: Maximiliano Gomez of Uruguay celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during a match between Uruguay and Chile as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Centenario Stadium on October 08, 2020 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Matilde Campodonico-Pool/Getty Images)
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![Andre Carrillo of Peru celebrates with teammates]()
Andre Carrillo of Peru celebrates with teammates
09 Oct 2020
ASUNCION, PARAGUAY - OCTOBER 08: Andre Carrillo of Peru celebrates with teammate Christian Cueva after scoring the first goal of their team during a match between Paraguay and Peru as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Defensores del Chaco on October 08, 2020 in Asuncion, Paraguay. (Photo by Luis Vera/Getty Images)
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![Alexis Sanchez of Chile celebrates with Nicolás Díaz]()
Alexis Sanchez of Chile celebrates with Nicolás Díaz
09 Oct 2020
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - OCTOBER 08: Alexis Sanchez of Chile celebrates with Nicolás Díaz #2 after scoring the first goal of his team during a match between Uruguay and Chile as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Centenario Stadium on October 08, 2020 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Raul Martinez -Pool/Getty Images)
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![Luis Suarez of Uruguay fights for the ball with Francisco Sierralta of Chile]()
Luis Suarez of Uruguay fights for the ball with Francisco Sierralta of Chile
08 Oct 2020
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - OCTOBER 08: Luis Suarez of Uruguay fights for the ball with Francisco Sierralta of Chile during a match between Uruguay and Chile as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Centenario Stadium on October 08, 2020 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Raul Martinez -Pool/Getty Images)
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![Dario Lezcano of Paraguay fights for the ball with Carlos Zambrano of Peru]()
Dario Lezcano of Paraguay fights for the ball with Carlos Zambrano of Peru
08 Oct 2020
ASUNCION, PARAGUAY - OCTOBER 08: Dario Lezcano of Paraguay fights for the ball with Carlos Zambrano of Peru during a match between Paraguay and Peru as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Defensores del Chaco on October 08, 2020 in Asuncion, Paraguay. (Photo by Luis Vera/Getty Images)
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![Rodrigo de Paul of Argentina competes for the ball with Pervis Estupinián of Ecuado]()
Rodrigo de Paul of Argentina competes for the ball with Pervis Estupinián of Ecuado
09 Oct 2020
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - OCTOBER 08: Rodrigo de Paul of Argentina competes for the ball with Pervis Estupinián of Ecuador during a match between Argentina and Ecuador as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on October 08, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
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![Arturo Vidal of Chile reacts during a match]()
Arturo Vidal of Chile reacts during a match
09 Oct 2020
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - OCTOBER 08: Arturo Vidal of Chile reacts during a match between Uruguay and Chile as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Centenario Stadium on October 08, 2020 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Matilde Campodonico-Pool/Getty Images)
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![Maximiliano Gomez of Uruguay celebrates with teammate Martín Campaña]()
Maximiliano Gomez of Uruguay celebrates with teammate Martín Campaña
09 Oct 2020
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - OCTOBER 08: Maximiliano Gomez of Uruguay celebrates with teammate Martín Campaña at the end of a match between Uruguay and Chile as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Centenario Stadium on October 08, 2020 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Raul Martinez-Pool/Getty Images)
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![Brazil v Bolivia - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022]()
Brazil v Bolivia - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022
10 Oct 2020
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 09: Neymar Jr. of Brazil fights for the ball with Diego Wayar of Bolivia during a match between Brazil and Bolivia as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 09, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Marquinhos (l) of Brazil celebrates after scoring the opening goal]()
Marquinhos (l) of Brazil celebrates after scoring the opening goal
10 Oct 2020
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 09: Marquinhos (l) of Brazil celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during a match between Brazil and Bolivia as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 09, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Amanda Perobelli - Pool/Getty Images)
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![Brazil v Bolivia - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022]()
Brazil v Bolivia - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022
10 Oct 2020
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 09: Philippe Coutinho of Brazil controls the ball- during a match between Brazil and Bolivia as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 09, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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![Colombia v Venezuela - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022]()
Colombia v Venezuela - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022
10 Oct 2020
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 09: Luis Muriel of Colombia celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during a match between Colombia and Venezuela as part of South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 at Estadio Metropolitano on October 09, 2020 in Barranquilla, Colombia. (Photo by Mauricio Dueñas-Pool/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Streaks extended and ended
- Brazil have never lost a World Cup qualifier at home with 43 wins and 12 draws in 55 matches played in total
- Colombia now have seven wins out of nine home qualifiers in history against Venezuela
- The 3-0 defeat ended a seven-game unbeaten run in away matches for Venezuela, which was their biggest streak in their history
Did you know?
- Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro made his debut at the Venezuelan helm against compatriot Carlos Queiroz’s Colombia — Peseiro was Queiroz's technical assistant during the 2003/04 season he spent in charge of Real Madrid
- Venezuela are the only nation from the CONMEBOL region yet to qualify for a senior World Cup
- Brazil was the highest-scoring nation during Russia 2018 qualifying (41 goals); scored the most goals in the first and second half (16 and 25, respectively) and the most goals from inside and outside the area (35 and 6, respectively)
- Bolivia finished in the bottom two places in each of the region’s last four preliminary campaigns, while they are its lowest-positioned side on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
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