Venezuela began its Cinderella rise through the football world in 2007, when it hosted the Copa America, advancing from the group stage for the first time in its history.
It continued to improve, mounting a valiant but failed effort to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, and it seemed that perhaps that would be enough to stymy further growth.
But the growth showed itself again in the Copa America 2011, with the perennial last place squad advancing to the semifinals, where many thought it deserved a spot in the final over perennial drawer Paraguay.
There was no party hangover from the Copa America as World Cup qualifying commenced. Venezuela has continued to impress, including picking up a historic win over Argentina — who Venezuela hadn't even managed to tie before in its history.
With an extra spot up for grabs in South America (since Brazil qualifies automatically as host), Venezuela has found its momentum at a perfect time to get rid of the stigma of being the only South American country to not qualify for a World Cup.
Venezuela doesn't seem to be at the level of a contender to win a World Cup yet, or even a Copa America with powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay in the mix, but Venezuela has made itself relevant in the football world like never before.
The club's rise through the ranks makes for one of the most interesting stories leading up to the 2014 World Cup, and we'll need something to hold us together as the qualifiers stretch out for the next three years.
Venezuela is a co-leader currently with Argentina and Uruguay, and with a win against one of those already, it's not a fluke. Venezuela is the real deal and it's ready to make a historic run.
Thumbnail via EFE
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