CARACAS, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela manager Fernando Batista has billed Tuesday's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Colombia as the biggest sporting occasion in the nation's history.
The Vinotinto needs to win in Maturin to be sure of advancing to an intercontinental playoff as it seeks a place at its first ever World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year.
While Batista's team would also clinch a playoff berth if Brazil beat Bolivia in El Alto, Venezuela is determined to decide its own fate.
"Tomorrow for us is like a World Cup final," the Argentine manager told a news conference.
"This group has set itself the goal of qualifying for the playoffs and now we have that opportunity. We have grown in character and in the way we play."
While Batista and his players are only thinking about a victory, Colombia can rest easy knowing it is already guaranteed a World Cup place, having sealed qualification with a 3-0 home win over Bolivia last Thursday.
Batista dismissed suggestions the Cafeteros might ease off with little at stake.
"Colombia isn't going to give away anything," he said. "We know what they're capable of and the individual quality of the players they have. We'll have to be at our best in all aspects to win." ■
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