Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Tuesday hailed the performance of Latin America's national teams at the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

"Latin America shined today, it makes one happy as a Latin American... that we are also shining in the field of sports," Maduro said, following Uruguay's 1-0 victory over Italy to qualify for the round of 16.

Maduro spoke of the game during a speech marking the 193rd anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo, a key event in the nation's independence from Spain.

"While we were enjoying this national holiday, our sister nation of Uruguay qualified for the round of 16 at the World Cup with a tremendous victory," an enthused Maduro said.

He also praised Costa Rica's performance at the championship, after it not only qualified for the next round by tying England 0-0 in Belo Horizonte, but ranked first in its group on seven points.

"It ranked in first place and eliminated England," said Maduro.

Also doing well is Colombia, which thrashed Japan 4-1 on Tuesday.