MIAMI (USA) – Since the draw for the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers took place, Group A—featuring Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Venezuela—was seen as one of the most competitive, and it has lived up to expectations. Argentina is showcasing its historical dominance by leading the group and edging closer to securing a spot in the continental tournament. Colombia and Chile control their own fate and will face off again in this third and final window, while Venezuela—the only team in the group to have played in the last two FIBA World Cups—faces an uphill battle, needing both wins and favorable results elsewhere. Colombia’s head coach, Tomás Díaz, will be coaching his third and fourth games in charge after making his debut in Window 2. He understands that his team has a great chance to qualify for the AmeriCup for the third straight time—an unprecedented feat for the country—and he doesn’t want to let the opportunity slip away. Colombia will host Chile on the 20th in Cali, and with a win, they would secure their AmeriCup ticket. The entire team's focus is on that game.
After the positive result in the last window against Chile, we are in a privileged position. Now, we have the responsibility to get the job done at home," said coach Díaz.
The coach is still working to implement his style and sees the matchup against Chile as a battle where both teams will try to impose their game plans. "One of the changes we’ve been emphasizing since our arrival is on the defensive side. We want to be a team that defends with intensity. Our players have the physical ability, and we’re trying to instill that identity. In that sense, we want our defense to fuel our offense—we want to run and play at a faster pace. That’s our goal. I believe it’s clear that we will try to push the pace while Chile will try to slow the game down and play in the half-court," analyzed Díaz, who is also an assistant coach for Toros del Valle in the BCL Americas 2024-25. After winning on the road in Chile, Díaz expects his players to respond even better in front of their home crowd. "Playing at home is a great motivator. We’ve played well as hosts, as we did against Venezuela, and on the road. The key is to achieve consistency as a team, no matter where we play," said the coach.
Staying positive in the face of adversity
Colombia will aim to take control of their own fate, as a loss to Chile could open the door for Venezuela. The Venezuelans hold the head-to-head advantage over Colombia by points (+16), so in the event of a tie in the standings, they would have the edge. However, for that scenario to matter, Venezuela must first defeat group leader Argentina at home in Caracas before turning their attention to Chile. Venezuela will have a new head coach in this window, Ronald Guillén. Additionally, experienced players like David Cubillán, Windi Graterol, Miguel Ruiz, and Gregory Vargas are returning to the squad. Vargas, one of the team’s leaders, has been encouraging his younger teammates to move past previous losses and focus on what’s ahead.
"I told them to stay calm and prepare for what’s coming. I believe every day is a new opportunity. We must learn from our mistakes, recognize where we went wrong, and correct it," said the veteran point guard, who turns 39 this month, in an interview with the Venezuelan federation’s communications department.
With heart, effort, and motivation—together, with the support of our people—we can achieve the results."
Vargas has a close relationship with the team’s new coach. Guillén coached him in the most recent domestic league season, where they won the championship with Gladiadores de Anzoátegui. "He has a philosophy of creating a family atmosphere within teams. I believe that when that happens, success follows. Since taking on this challenge, he called all the players and brought us together. He told us how much he needs us. It’s great that he took that initiative because it shows he’s focused on the team and the country. Playing for him is an honor and a pleasure. I know he will give his all to deliver results for the team," Vargas said about Guillén. The battle in what many call the "group of death" will be intense. Can Colombia and Chile seal the deal and surpass a Venezuela team with a formidable track record over the past decade? FIBA