In the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying stage, Colombia will host Bolivia at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez this Thursday, March 23, 2017 (1:30 PM Pacific). While Bolivia does not have much to play for anymore, Colombia needs to start summing up points to keep its World Cup aspirations alive.
The 2018 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying stage is very contested this year with Colombia in sixth place with 18 points, just two points away from a direct World Cup spot. Jose Pekerman called up a strong squad for the upcoming qualifiers, with 11 players that militate in Europe on the roster. The Italian Serie A having the strongest presence on the team with six players coming from that league. Among the standout players that play in European leagues are Carlos Bacca, Juan Cuadrado and superstar, James Rodriguez.
The Liga MX also has its presence on the ‘cafetaleros’ with four players from that league in Edwin Cardona, Stefan Medina, Oscar Murillo and Luis Quinones. This is a game that Colombia should be able to win comfortably, especially playing in front of a home crowd in Barranquilla. The last encounter between the two teams was won by Colombia away from home by a score of 3-2. Carlos Bacca, Edwin Cardona and James Rodriguez proving the goals for Jose Pekerman in that game.
Bolivia has not had a good campaign in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying in ninth place with only seven points. ‘La Verde’ is coming from its second win of the competition, having surprisingly beaten Paraguay 1-0 at home on Nov. 15, 2016. The only other win for Bolivia in this World Cup qualifying stage has been against Venezuela in matchday 3, defeating ‘la vinotinto’ 4-2 at home.
Some of the more interesting players to look out for on ‘la verde’ for this game are Pablo Escobar and Juan Arce who have combined for five goals in this competition. Bolivia should not be able to get anything out of this game, especially away from home where they are yet to win a game in the qualifiers. The match should still be an intense encounter characteristic of these CONMEBOL games.
How to Watch Colombia vs Bolivia
The Colombia vs Bolivia match will be broadcast this Thursday, March 23 at 1:30 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports En Espanol
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free), Fubo TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
