If you were watching the South American U-17 Championship in April 2025, you saw something pretty wild. Usually, these youth games are tight, nervous, and a bit messy. But the Colombia U-17 vs Venezuela U-17 semifinal wasn't that. It was a statement. Playing at the Estadio Jaime Morón León in Cartagena, the home crowd expected a win, but I don't think anyone expected a 5-1 demolition.
It's easy to look at a scoreline like that and think Venezuela just didn't show up. That’s not true. Honestly, for the first 35 minutes, it was anyone's game. Diego Claut actually pulled one back for Venezuela to make it 1-1, and for a second, the stadium went quiet. But then Santiago Londoño happened.
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Why the Colombia U-17 vs Venezuela U-17 Scoreline Was Decided by Individuals
You can't talk about this match without talking about Santiago Londoño. The kid is a clinical finisher. He bagged a hat-trick that basically broke the Venezuelan spirit. When you’re seventeen and you’ve just clawed your way back into a semifinal, conceding two goals in ten minutes is a psychological mountain you just can't climb.
Colombia's coach, Freddy Hurtado, basically gave his wingers a license to kill. Deivi Quiñones and Cristian Flórez were constantly finding space behind the Venezuelan fullbacks. It felt like every time Colombia crossed the halfway line, they were going to score. Venezuela, led by Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, usually prides itself on being "La Vinotinto"—tough, resilient, and hard to beat. This time, the gaps between their midfield and defense were wide enough to drive a bus through.
Venezuela had actually beaten Colombia 1-0 in a friendly just weeks before in March, thanks to a goal by Yerwin Sulbarán. That's the crazy part. The gap between these two teams isn't actually four goals. It was just one of those nights where one team clicked and the other hit every hurdle.
Breaking Down the Tactical Collapse
Venezuela didn't play "bad" football; they played "risky" football. They tried to keep the ball—ending with 56% possession—but they did nothing with it. Colombia sat back, soaked up the pressure, and then hit them like a freight train on the counter-attack.
- Colombia's Efficiency: 13 shots, 5 goals. That is a conversion rate that most professional senior teams would dream of.
- Venezuela's Possession Trap: They had the ball but kept losing it in the "Zone 14" area, right outside the box, leading directly to Colombian breaks.
- The Goalkeeping Factor: Jorman Mendoza for Colombia made three massive saves when it was still 2-1. If those go in, we are talking about a totally different game.
The Stars You Need to Watch for the 2025 World Cup
Both of these teams qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, so the Colombia U-17 vs Venezuela U-17 rivalry isn't over. Not even close.
If you're a scout or just a nerd for youth football, keep an eye on Yeminson Urrutia. He came off the bench for Colombia and scored within minutes. He has that "it" factor—explosive pace and zero fear. On the Venezuelan side, even though they lost big, Diego Claut is the real deal. He’s a smart striker who knows how to peel off defenders. He was the only one who really looked like he belonged on that pitch during the semifinal.
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Key Players from the Recent Matchup
Santiago Londoño (Colombia): The Envigado product is currently the crown jewel. Five goals in the tournament. He plays with a maturity that’s honestly kind of scary for a 17-year-old.
Cristian Flórez (Colombia): He’s a winger who actually works. Most kids at this age want the ball at their feet and nothing else. Flórez tracks back, wins tackles, and then sprints 60 yards to finish a move.
Ricardo Rincones (Venezuela): It’s hard to praise a defender who let in five, but Rincones was left on an island for most of the night. He’s physically dominant and will likely be the captain heading into the World Cup.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
People think Brazil and Argentina are the only ones that matter in CONMEBOL youth levels. They’re wrong. The Colombia U-17 vs Venezuela U-17 game showed that the "middle class" of South American football has caught up. Venezuela actually went on to beat Chile 3-0 in the third-place match after this loss. They didn't crumble. They regrouped and showed they are still one of the top four teams on the continent.
Colombia eventually lost the final to Brazil on penalties. It was a heartbreaker. But the 5-1 win over Venezuela was their peak. It showed that when they play at home, with the humidity of Cartagena and the fans behind them, they are borderline unplayable.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Scouts
If you want to follow these teams properly, don't just look at the highlights. Youth football is about consistency.
- Watch the Re-runs on DSports: They often carry the full match replays. Look at how Venezuela builds from the back; they are actually very technical.
- Follow the Qatar 2025 Schedule: Both teams are in the World Cup. If they get placed in different groups, there is a high chance they meet again in the knockout rounds.
- Monitor the "Envigado Pipeline": Colombia’s best players almost always come through Envigado (the same club that produced James Rodríguez). If a new name pops up there, pay attention.
The next time Colombia U-17 vs Venezuela U-17 shows up on your TV, don't expect another 5-1. Expect a war. Venezuela has a chip on their shoulder now, and Colombia has the pressure of proving that the 5-1 wasn't just a fluke.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official CONMEBOL website for the 2026 youth tournament calendars, as the hosting rights often shift late, much like how Colombia took over from Venezuela for the 2025 edition. Knowing the venue early gives you a huge advantage in predicting how these young squads will handle the travel and atmospheric pressure.