Colombia are dangerously close to missing the World Cup 2022 tournament. Los Cafeteros are seventh in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings. Colombia are four points behind fifth-place Peru in the race for the final qualification position.
There are six points left to place for in CONMEBOL qualifying. Colombia could be eliminated from World Cup qualification if they fail to defeat Bolivia this week.
Bolivia are not eliminated from qualification to the World Cup later this year. However, the Bolivians can only finish fifth and qualify for the inter-continental playoff place. Colombia are six points off of fifth place.
Despite Colombia’s immense talent, they have struggled on the field in 2021 and 2022. Zero of their last seven matches in World Cup qualifying ended without a win. Los Cafeteros lost their last two games by identical 1-0 scores to Peru and Argentina.
Bolivia are also on a two-game losing streak in World Cup qualifying. They fell 4-1 to Venezuela – the last-place team in CONMEBOL qualifying – and 3-2 to Chile. The Bolivians got hot at the end of 2021, but are struggling once more this year.
Colombia have a strong head-to-head record against Bolivia. Los Cafeteros have a record of 15W-14D-7L dating back to 1938.
These teams played in September 2021 in World Cup qualifying with the game ending 1-1. Roger Martinez scored on 69 minutes for Colombia but Bolivia’s Fernando Saucedo levelled the game on 83 minutes.
Unfortunately, Colombia’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup 2022 are remote. Los Cafeteros have not picked up enough points and are leaving qualification at the eleventh hour. If Colombia are to qualify, they must defeat Bolivia and Venezuela this week.
Both are winnable matches. However, Colombia also needs the teams in front of them to drop points. Manager Reinaldo Rueda has called in a strong squad once more.
David Ospina will play in goal and Davison Sanchez should anchor the team’s defence. James Rodriguez was called into the side Rodriguez’s club career since leaving Monaco has been a disaster, but it is hoped the Al-Rayyan man can spark the team’s attack.
Luis Diaz, Luis Muriel, and Juan Cuadrado are three other top stars Rueda has in the team. The manager will hope the stars of Colombia can align for a win.
Colombia have struggled to score in qualifying with 16 goals in 16 games. Los Cafeteros should pick up a win over Bolivia by narrow margins. Under 2.5 goals should be scored as Colombia win. Unfortunately, the win could come too little, too late for qualification.
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