Venezuela predicted lineup vs Canada: Copa America 2024
Venezuela are looking for their fourth win in as many matches at Copa America 2024 as the Group B winners get ready to face Canada in the quarter-finals.
Under the leadership of Fernando Batista, Venezuela won all three of their Copa America group stages matches for the first time in history. After defeating Ecuador, their toughest opponents, in the tournament's opening match, La Vinotinto looked destined to top Group B, and they did just that.
Venezuela's reward for finishing above Ecuador, Mexico, and Jamaica is a quarter-final match against Canada. Batista's side gets to avoid Argentina until a possible semifinal matchup, and instead face a team that has only scored one goal in their last five matches.
Here's what Venezuela's starting XI could look like against Canada on July 5.
Venezuela predicted lineup vs Canada (4-2-3-1)
GK: Rafael Romo - Romo has only conceded one goal at Copa America so far, and his chances of keeping his third clean sheet of the competition on Friday are extremely high. He was the hero of Venezuela's match against Mexico, saving a penalty in the 87th minute.
RB: Jon Aramburu - Aramburu started Venezuela's final two group stage fixtures, and after his impressive performance and assist against Jamaica, expect the Real Sociedad man to make his third appearance of the tournament against Canada.
CB: Nahuel Ferraresi - Ferraresi will return to the starting lineup after being rested against Jamaica, taking his rightful place alongside Osorio.
CB: Yordan Osorio - Osorio has played all 270 minutes for Venezuela so far, and will undoubtedly be on the pitch for another 90 minutes against Canada.
LB: Miquel Navarro - Navarro almost cost his side the win against Mexico after getting whistled for a handball penalty, but his keeper bailed him out. The left-back did not appear against Jamaica and will be freshly rested for his start in the quarter-finals.
CM: Jose Martinez - Martinez is always reliable in the midfield for Batista, although he will need to improve in the knockout rounds after losing seven duels against Jamaica.
CM: Yangel Herrera - Herrera is one of Venezuela's most accurate passers, and has started every Copa America 2024 match alongside Martinez. The Girona midfielder recorded his first assist of the tournament against Jamaica.
RW: Eduard Bello - Bello already has two goals in three games this summer, and Venezuela are infinitely more dangerous when the winger is on the pitch.
AM: Jefferson Savarino - Savarino has had a rough tournament so far, only logging 51 minutes in his two matches played, but his experience will likely be favored over the unproven Telasco Segovia. Batista could start the 21-year-old instead, though, should he look to make a bold statement against Canada.
LW: Yeferson Soteldo - Without Machis available, Soteldo is the best option for Batista to start on the left wing. Although Soteldo has not recorded a goal or an assist yet, he is often the player creating the most chances for La Vinotinto.
ST: Salomon Rondon - Rondon already has two goals and one assist at Copa America 2024, and will need to continue his goalscoring form against a disciplined Canadian backline.