MONTEVIDEO, June 7 — Venezuela boosted their chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history, beating Bolivia 2-0 yesterday, 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.