WITH a population of just under 33 million, Venezuela ranks as the fifth most populous country in South America. Only Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Peru are above them.

However, unlike eight of their nine fellow CONMEBOL members, they have never won the Copa America. In fact, between their competition debut in 1967 to when they hosted it for the first time 40 years later, La Vinotinto went 42 consecutive games in the tournament without a win. 

Now, higher than they have ever been before in the Fifa World Rankings (26th), head coach Rafael Dudamel is faced with the opportunity of making history. Not only have they failed to secure continental success in their past, but Venezuela have never made it onto the global stage; La Vinotinto are yet to play at a World Cup.