Bolivia and Venezuela look to pick up their first points of the FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers when they face off on Thursday.

Both teams got off to tough starts despite tremendous optimism. Bolivia managed to get out of its group in the Copa America this past summer, while Venezuela looked potent in the tournament after putting in a respectable shift during the 2014 Qualifiers.

Many expected Venezuela's defensive intelligence to come to the fore and lead the team to greater heights.

Through two games that defense has been lacking. The team lost 1-0 at home against Paraguay in a game that many thought would favor the Vinotintos. The ensuing trip to Brazil became a disaster one minute in, when Willian scored right away.

That game snowballed out of control for Venezuela, as the team would only score in the 63rd minute with the score already at 2-0. The final result was a solid 3-1 for Brazil, which left Venezuela at the bottom of the table.

Despite Venezuela's poor performance, Bolivia is actually ranked lower at the moment due to goal differences. The team is one of two sides that has yet to score one goal in qualifying, matching only Argentina in that underachievement.

Bolivia was embarrassed at home 2-0 against a Uruguay side that had no Luis Suárez or Edinson Cavani to lead the offense. The team put up a stronger performance in Ecuador, but capitulated in the final 20 minutes with two goals against in a tough 2-0 defeat.

Bolivia should hold the keys to victory in this matchup playing at home in the high altitudes of La Paz. However, Venezuela is a tough defensive side that managed a win and draw over Bolivia in the 2014 Qualifiers.

Prediction: A 1-1 draw.

Start Time: The match takes place on Thursday Nov. 12 at 3 p.m. ET. The game can be watched on beIN Sports and the channel's online service.