I remember watching EJ Obiena’s unexpected stumble at the Oslo Bislett Games last Thursday, and it struck me how thin the line can be between triumph and disappointment in elite sports. He failed to clear 5.62 meters in all three attempts—something you rarely see from an athlete of his caliber. That moment got me thinking about another underdog story that’s been quietly unfolding: the rise of the Venezuela football team. While Obiena’s case was a temporary setback in an individual sport, Venezuela’s journey in international football speaks to a broader, collective momentum. It’s a narrative I find deeply compelling, especially as someone who’s followed South American football for over a decade.
Let’s rewind a bit. For years, Venezuela was often seen as the underperformer in CONMEBOL, overshadowed by giants like Brazil and Argentina. I recall watching their matches in the early 2000s—they had heart, but lacked the structure and depth to compete consistently. Fast forward to today, and the transformation is remarkable. In the 2021 Copa América, they didn’t just participate; they pushed teams to their limits, and players like Salomón Rondón and Yangel Herrera have become household names in European leagues. According to FIFA rankings, Venezuela climbed from around 70th in 2015 to breaking into the top 30 by 2022—a jump that’s rare and speaks volumes about their progress. What’s driving this? From my perspective, it’s a mix of strategic youth development and a cultural shift. The country has invested heavily in academies, with over 15 professional clubs now running robust youth programs. I’ve visited one in Caracas, and the focus on technical skills and mental resilience reminded me of setups in Spain or Germany.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Like Obiena’s off-day in Oslo, Venezuela has faced setbacks—political and economic challenges that could have derailed their progress. I’ve spoken to coaches there who admit that funding isn’t always consistent, and player exodus to foreign leagues is a double-edged sword. Yet, they’ve turned adversity into fuel. Take the 2023 South American Youth Championship, where Venezuela’s U-20 team finished second, losing only to Brazil in a tight final. That tournament alone produced stats like a 85% pass completion rate and an average of 12 shots per game—numbers that hint at a team maturing fast. Personally, I believe their grit is what sets them apart. In a recent friendly against Italy, they held their own defensively, conceding only one goal despite Italy’s 60% possession. It’s that kind of resilience that makes me optimistic about their future in competitions like the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Looking ahead, I’m bullish on Venezuela’s prospects, though I’ll admit it’s a cautious optimism. They’re not yet at the level to win a major trophy, but they’re closing the gap. In my view, key areas to watch are their midfield creativity and depth in defense. If they can nurture talents like Eduard Bello—who, by the way, scored 8 goals in 25 appearances for his club last season—they could surprise us in the next Copa América. Data from Opta suggests Venezuela’s average goals per game have risen from 0.8 in 2018 to 1.4 in 2023, a 75% increase that’s hard to ignore. Compare that to Obiena’s career, where his personal best of 6.00 meters in 2022 shows how peaks follow valleys. Similarly, Venezuela’s journey is about building on those highs and learning from the lows.
In conclusion, while EJ Obiena’s Oslo performance was a reminder of sport’s unpredictability, Venezuela’s football rise is a testament to sustained effort. As a fan and analyst, I’d bet on them making waves soon—maybe not as favorites, but as a team that can’t be overlooked. Their story, much like Obiena’s, is one of perseverance, and I, for one, can’t wait to see where it leads.
