Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado confirmed on Wednesday that she and Edmundo González, recognized as the elected president by several countries including the United States, had a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio,

However, their simplistic argument does not withstand scrutiny. Evidence shows that U.S. sanctions significantly contributed to Venezuela’s economic implosion, while the easing of sanctions in recent years has been associated with a moderate economic recovery that has helped alleviate the worst of the country’s economic crisis.

Patrick Agyemang and Matko Miljevic scored in their international debuts, Jack McGlynn got his first national team goal and the United States beat Venezuela 3-1 in a friendly between teams missing their regular starters.

On Saturday, the U.S. men’s national team will face Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The friendly is an opportunity for the United States to build positive momentum under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

There is no census, and migrants come and go, but the majority of people in La Soledad appear to be from Venezuela, the once-wealthy South American nation that has seen an exodus of more than 7 million amid an economic, social and political crackup.

Maduro’s calls for an invasion are a clear attempt to get rid of the United States presence and grow his influence in the area,” González-Colón wrote.

A former top Trump official says the U.S. is unlikely to invade Venezuela. Instead, this is what Trump may do.

Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón asked President-elect Trump to take action after Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro threatened an invasion.

Venezuela, a country in South America, has the largest oil reserves in the world. But over the last few years, the country has faced serious challenges. Corruption, bad management, and tough economic sanctions have made it hard for the country to produce and sell oil.

Puerto Rico governor Jenniffer González Colón called Maduro's comments an "open threat to the United States and our national security."

Substitution, Venezuela. Thomas Gutiérrez replaces Francisco La Mantia. Attempt saved. Miles Robinson (USA) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jack ...