Matchday 18 of the South American qualifiers will determine which national team clinchesa spot in the inter-continental playoffs. Peru, Chile, and Colombia are the three teams who arrived at this exciting round with chances of clinching fifth place of the Conmebol standings.
Ricardo Gareca‘s men headed into this round with advantage as they are in control of theirdestiny and put themselves in front vs Paraguay early in the game. Meanwhile, Chile and Colombia were struggling to break the deadlock in their respective games.
Reinaldo Rueda‘s side, however, found the opener against Venezuela shortly before half-time through the penalty spot. James Rodriguez had initially missed his shot but the VAR reviewdetermined that Wuilker Fariñezstepped forward and the veteran playmaker found the net in the retake.
Watch: James Rodriguez scoressecond penalty shotto giveColombia the lead
This is a must-win for Colombia to have any hope of sealing a place in the playoffs. Peru are momentarilyholding on to fifth place but this James goal could prove useful if La Blanquirrojasuddenly lose the lead.
US viewers:
James Rodríguez gets to re-take the penalty and slams it in the back of the goal. #COLvVEN #CONMEBOL pic.twitter.com/NoNJ9vOwRl
— fuboTV (@fuboTV) March 30, 2022
James Rodríguez scores at the second attempt from the spot, after the initial save was chalked off for Fariñez being off his line! ����
A big goal for Colombia but, with Peru 2-0 up, it may all be in vain �� pic.twitter.com/ugVuEMiI4W
— FreeSports �� (@FreeSports_TV) March 30, 2022
