Venezuela’s hopes of qualifying for a first-ever World Cup ended in crushing fashion with a 6-3 home defeat to Colombia, and the fallout was swift.

Maduro, addressing the nation in the wake of the defeat, described the result as a “painful loss” and demanded sweeping changes within the Vinotinto camp.

“All of Venezuela demands a restructuring of the technical staff of the Vinotinto, a reorganisation of the strategy, of the doctrine, and of the line of combat and hard work,” he said.

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Venezuela remains the only nation in the CONMEBOL federation yet to qualify for a World Cup.

In a parallel move, Peru also parted ways with head coach Oscar Ibáñez. Their qualification campaign had ended before the final round, and they closed out the group stage with just two wins, ten defeats, and a meagre tally of six goals from 18 matches.

Source: Punch