Venezuela, England to play in U-20 WC final
caracas — Milagros de Astudillo woke up early in the morning, startled by the shouting and loud noises coming from her home in a working-class neighbourhood in Venezuela’s capital.
After another restless night of anti-government protests and violent repression, the 66-year-old grandmother feared the worst.
“I thought, ‘Things are getting worse,’” De Astudillo said. “But no, it was my sons and grandsons celebrating because the ‘Vinotinto’ had reached the final.”
Like many in this country stricken by political, social and economic turmoil, De Astudillo’s family celebrated Venezuela reaching its first soccer World Cup final after beating Uruguay in a penalty shootout in the semifinals of the under-20 tournament in South Korea.
Venezuela will face England in Sunday’s final, and there is a marked difference between the two squads. While 17 of England’s 21 players belong to English Premier League clubs and have access to the best facilities in the richest league in the world, 17 players in Venezuela’s roster play for local cash-strapped clubs that, just like the rest of the country, have been affected by widespread shortages, triple-digit inflation and rampant crime.
Long considered the weakest team in South American soccer, Venezuela is the only country in the region that has never played at a senior World Cup. That streak will continue next year in Russia with Venezuela in last place in the continental qualifying campaign.
Venezuela is also one of two teams, along with Ecuador, to never win the Copa America.
“This success will be a turning point for Venezuelan soccer,” said Rafael Dudamel, who coaches both the under-20 and senior squads.
“And, of course, also for them (the players), because it’ll allow them to be seen and establish themselves in international soccer.” —