Chile vs Colombia World Cup 2018 Qualifiers: Stream, Preview, Predictions, Schedule, Lineups
Colombia will look to get back on track in the World Cup qualifiers when the team takes on the seemingly unstoppable Chileans.
Los Cafeteros got off to a decent start in qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Peru, but then struggled mightily in Uruguay, taking a 3-0 beating that also left Juan Cuadrado with an irresponsible red card in the closing moments of the meeting.
Now the team will face a Chile side that beat Brazil and destroyed Peru 4-3. Chile won the Copa America this past summer and looks like the most dynamic side in qualifiers.
Chile will be home, but that might not mean all that much. In the 2014 Qualifiers, Colombia dominated Chile 3-1 in Santiago before the two sides drew 3-3 in Colombia. In the latter game, Chile built a 3-0 lead before Los Cafeteros stormed back to tie it, courtesy of two penalties by Radamel Falcao. James Rodríguez was the key to that performance, and he might be even more crucial in this qualifier.
The Colombian is set to make his return for his national side after an extended absence due to injury. He may give Colombia a much needed offensive jolt, adding an element that has simply been missing in 2015.
Of course, a lot of the pressure falls on coach José Pékerman, who has opted for a more possession oriented game, which has never suited the speedy Colombians. Chile is a better possession side and is expected to hold the ball more often in this game. How Pékerman adapts will ultimately determine which team comes away with the win in what should be a highly entertaining affair.
Prediction: Chile is far better than Colombia at the moment. Being home will only give the team greater confidence. It should be an entertaining game, but Chile wins 4-2.
Schedule: Thursday Nov. 12, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. ET
Watch the game on beIN Sports or beIN Sports Connect.
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