A 6–3 defeat to Colombia in Caracas ended Venezuela’s hopes of reaching its first World Cup. The expanded 48-team World Cup had been the most accessible ladder the Vinotinto had ever seen. For a national team still chasing its first World Cup, the stakes are enormous. Also Read: Forget the usual suspects—Ecuador Football brings the real World Cup menaceFor Venezuela, the significant loss of this qualifying cycle was not only the 6–3 scoreline. Only then can the country hope to trade resignation for history, and finally hear its anthem at a World Cup.