Uruguay
vs
Colombia
FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers
………
Uruguay host Colombia in the second game of the Round 1 of the CONMEBOL 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, with both sides coming in the game having won their opening tie.
Uruguay and Colombia had both beaten their opponents in the opening game with a 2-0 scoreline, with the Uruguayans beating Bolivia and Colombians brushing aside Copa America semi-finalists, Peru.
Both sides come in the game without their key attacking players. The pressure to win the tie will be on the Uruguayans, since they are playing at home.
Uruguay Team News & Tactics
Uruguay will be without star forwards Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez for the tie against the Colombians. The attack will be spearheaded by Hernandez and Stuani in the absence of the star forwards.
Long-term serving goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will be in goal, with Diego Godin, Martin Caceres, Corujo and Gimenez manning the defence ahead of him.
Pereira, Sanchez Rodriguez and Gonzalez will line-up in midfield, hoping to keep the Colombians out of the game by winning the midfield battle.
They will also be tasked with creating the chances for the front two in the absence of talisman Luis Suarez.
Oscar Tabarez’s men will need to be at their best if they are to maintain their 100% record in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Uruguay Predicted XI: (4-4-2 formation): Muslera; Gim nez, God n, Corujo, CA?ceres; Pereira, SA?nchez, Rodr guez, GonzA?lez; HernA?ndez, Stuani
Colombia Team News & Tactics
Jose Pekerman’s side recorded a hard-fought win against Peru in their opening game with Sporting CP striker TeA?filo Guti rrez and midfielder Edwin Cardona on target. The Colombians will now hope to get a similar results against a depleted Uruguay side.
Colombia are without star James Rodriguez and with Radamel Falcao not in the best of the form, Carlos Bacca will have to step up.
The new Milan forward will be assisted by Gutierrez up-front, with the duo expected to line-up ahead of Falcao.
Arsenal FC stopper David Ospina is expected to continue in goal, while Zapata, Arias, Fabra, Murillo will be tasked with stopping Uruguay’s attack.
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Sanchez, Cardona will play in the central midfield with Cuadrado and Guarin providing the width on either flanks.
Colombia Predicted XI: (4-4-2 formation): Ospina; Zapata, Arias, Fabra, Murillo; SA?nchez, Cardona, Cuadrado, Guar n; Bacca, Guti rrez
Man to Watch:
Carlos Bacca
Bacca’s sensational form for two years with Sevilla earned him a move to Serie A giants AC Milan. The fiery Colombian was banned in the Copa America for his role in the post-game brawl against Brazil. However, having returned from suspension, the forward will be hoping to fill-in the once prolific shoes of Radamel Falcao.
Bacca has all the trait to become a big thorn for the Uruguay defence, although Diego Godin will have something to say about it.
Prediction:
Uruguay 1 – 1 Colombia
Colombia will miss the creative spark of James, but with Uruguay also missing two of their stalwarts, the contest should be a pretty even one. Eventually, the two team might just cancel each other out and the lack of quality in the two sides could make the game a pretty dull affair.
Match Facts:
- Both the sides come in the game having won their opening game 2-0
- Last six encounters have seen Colombia win only two games against Uruguay
- However, the two wins have come in more recent times, over their last three games
- The last two games between the side have ended up 2-0 win for each
- A James Rodriguez double (including the incredible chest and volley) helped Colombia beat Uruguay 2-0 in their last game in the FIFA World Cup 2014 Quarterfinals
Blast from the past
