MONTEVIDEO: Venezuela boosted their chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history, beating Bolivia 2-0 on Friday, while faltering rivals Colombia were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Peru.

A calamitous fifth-minute own goal from Hector Cuellar and a 30th-minute strike from veteran forward Salomon Rondon ensured the three points for the Vinotinto in Maturin.

The victory, which came after a frustrating night for Colombia, left Venezuela in seventh place on 18 points - three points behind Colombia and Uruguay.

Venezuela travel to Uruguay on Tuesday knowing a win would put them in real contention for a top six spot and an automatic place in next year's tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The final two games for Uruguay come in September when they are away to already qualified Argentina before a potentially crucial last match at home to Colombia on September 6.

The top six teams in South America qualify directly for the World Cup with the seventh placed country entering the inter-confederation playoffs.