Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the World Cup qualifying match.
Colombia and Bolivia are fighting for the final FIFA World Cup places from South America. A draw may be enough for the hosts to seal their place at the FIFA World Cup.
Colombia
Even a defeat would suffice if Venezuela lose to Argentina in Buenos Aires, which is the most likely scenario. A win would be better, of course, as it would guarantee qualification regardless of results elsewhere. In that case, their head-to-head in Venezuela would not matter. Head coach Néstor Lorenzo can call upon Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez and Jhon Arias. The trio still need to make amends for the goalless home draw with Peru in June.
Bolivia
Bolivia remain in the race because they beat Chile (2:0) in the previous round, with Chile the worst team in qualifying. Home high altitude helps, reflected by an average of 1.75 points per match there, although the hosts played 35 minutes with ten men after winger Lucas Chávez was sent off. That happened in the opening stages, and early in the second half the numbers were evened up. Away from home it is a different story. Bolivia struggle with conditions on the road, hence just one win in eight away matches, and that came against the same weakest Chile side (2:1). All the other results were defeats.
Colombia vs Bolivia Prediction
We do not expect that pattern to change here. Colombia should score at least once, and even that ought to be enough for the win. In truth, they are unlikely to stop there. Bolivia’s last two away games ended in 3:0 defeats. A similar outcome is plausible this time.
