Victims of the devastating earthquakes in neighboring Venezuela are on the mind of Colombia’s national soccer team at the FIFA World Cup.
Following Colombia’s scoreless draw with Portugal on June 27 in Miami, midfielder Richard Ríos offered prayers of support to those affected by the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24.
The back-to-back earthquakes have reportedly killed more than 1,400 people as rescue operations continue to search through the rubble.
“On behalf of the Colombia national team, we pray for you every day,” Ríos said. “There is only one person who can help us: God. If we cling to Him, everything will improve. I ask God for this to end as soon as possible to help the Venezuelan people. We are with you, do not feel alone. Ask for help if you need it.”
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Colombia and Portugal each observed a moment of silence at Hard Rock Stadium before their group-stage finale match in honor of the earthquake victims.
Ríos comments, which drew more than 150,000 views in just over 24 hours, garnered a flood of support from Colombians and Venezuelans on social media, who hailed the South American countries as “naciones hermanas” — sister nations.
Many Venezuelans in the comments also expressed their support for Ríos and Colombia to win the World Cup. Venezuela is the only South American nation never to qualify for a World Cup.
Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Colombia World Cup star prays for Venezuela earthquake victims
Reporting by Eric J. Wallace, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Eric J. Wallace, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
