Chile vs. Bolivia: International Friendly Schedule, Predictions & Preview
Chile and Bolivia face off in a South American soccer match on Tuesday Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. EST.
This may just be considered a friendly exhibition game, but it isn't expected to be friendly at all. Chile and Bolivia have a long rivalry with one another, on and off the field.
Both clubs are members of CONMEBOL, the South American Football Federation. Latin Post.com breaks down the teams and predicts a winner:
Chile
The Chilean national team gave an impressive show at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Offensive-minded head coach Jorge Sampaoli has been managing this team since 2012. At the 2014 World Cup, Chile qualified for the knockout stage after finishing in second place behind the Netherlands.
Chile comes in ranked No. 12 overall in the FIFA rankings. This team is pretty well balanced outside of goaltending. Although team captain and established goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is very experienced, he will not be playing in this game, according to multiple sources. Most likely 33-year-old Johnny Herrera will get the start against Bolivia.
Chile's defensive unit is led by Gonzalo Jara and Gary Medal. Alexis Sanchez, who led the Chilean team in scoring during the World Cup, will be the main focus on offense along with Eduardo Vargas. Jean Beausejour leads this powerful middle field against Bolivia.
In Chile's last friendly, they defeated Peru 3-0 with Vargas scoring two goals.
Bolivia
The Bolivian national team has never made it out of the group stage round of the World Cup, but they will play their hardest against Chile. This South American soccer rivalry isn't Brazil-Argentina, but fans of these two bordering countries are very soccer-driven.
Bolivia is currently ranked No. 94 overall in the world, and No. 10 in the CONMEBOL region. Mauricio Soria is filling in as their head coach. The pride of this Bolivian team is in their defense. Team captain Ronald Raldes has been playing on the Bolivian national team since 2001. Daniel Vaca is expected to start in goal again.
Although Bolivia has a great captain and team defense, their offense and midfield still has a lot of holes. In Bolivia's two September friendly games, they lost to Mexico 1-0, and Ecuador 4-0. This team is struggling to get shots on goal and to control the ball.
Schedule
Chile and Bolivia are scheduled to play each other at the Estadio Regional Calvo in Antofagasta, Chile in front of 20,000 fans. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. EST. Tuesday. Fans can watch live stream of the game on this link.
Predictions
Bolivia is hungry for a victory, and facing Chile will be a great test. Both teams offer contrasting styles of play, so soccer fans should be in for a good game. In the end, Chile will be victorious because Bolivia's offense just isn't good enough.
Chile wins 3-1.
For a live stream, click here.
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