After reaching the semifinals of the Copa America last summer, Uruguay seems to have suffered a sort of regression. Since September, in the qualifying matches for the next World Cup, La Celeste has won only one game out of seven: on Friday, they were defeated in the heated Clásico del Río de la Plata against Argentina, who, despite Messi’s absence, came out on top thanks to a goal by Thiago Almada, who broke the deadlock in the second half of a very balanced match (0-1).
The defeat has further distanced Marcelo Bielsa’s team from the top of the table and paved the way for Brazil and Ecuador to overtake them. Uruguay, however, is not in danger of missing out on the World Cup in North America: only the bottom three teams in the qualifying group will be eliminated. And the seven-point lead over the seventh-placed team, which will have the chance to qualify through an inter-zone playoff, allows ‘El Loco’ and his men to sleep soundly. However, the demanding Argentine coach cannot be satisfied with recent performances. His Uruguay side is disappointing above all in attack, scoring just four goals in seven games (three of which came in last November’s match against Colombia).
In any case, it will be difficult to turn the page in Bolivia, which is always a tricky place to play due to the fact that it is over 4,000 meters above sea level. La Verde has earned most of its points at home, thanks to this unique strategy. Direct qualification has become a pipe dream after last Thursday’s 3-1 defeat in Peru. Bolivia, on the other hand, would do well to watch its back, considering that Venezuela is only one point behind and that Peru and Chile are still in contention.
Odds comparison
The “1X” sign is quoted at 1.35 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. The “Goal” sign is quoted at 1.85 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.80 on Snai.
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The prediction
The high altitude is likely to cause problems for Uruguay, who suffered a heavy defeat (3-0) the last time they played here (2021). However, La Celeste should break the deadlock against a Bolivia side that has conceded 15 goals in its last four games.
Probable line-ups for Bolivia-Uruguay
BOLIVIA (4-3-3): Viscarra; Medina, Haquín, Morales, Sagredo; Villamil, Cuellar, Vaca; Miguelito, Roberto Fernández, Algaranaz.
URUGUAY (4-2-3-1): Rochet; Nández, R. Araujo, Giménez, Olivera; Valverde, Bentancur; De Arrascaeta, Pellistri, M. Araujo; Darwin Núñez.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1