Venezuela lacks zeal for the game (5)
I believe the answer is:
venue
'venezuela' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for venue that I've seen before include "Site for event" , "Appointed place or location" , "Something is happening here" , "place to meet" , "The place where something happens" .)