Colombia vs Brazil
Colombia host Brazil in a crucial World Cup 2022 match on Sunday night and Reinaldo Rueda’s hosts will be seeking sweet revenge.
In June, Brazil beat Colombia 2-1 in the Copa America in controversial circumstances as Casemiro headed home a winner in full 10 minutes into stoppage time after the Colombian players thought the referee had unwittingly helped the Selecao to score their first goal.
Brazil arrive on the back of a 1-3 win away to Venezuela while Colombia earned a valuable point in a battling 0-0 draw away to South American powerhouse Uruguay.
And that means Tite’s Samba Boys are top of the South American qualifying group with a 100-per cent record after nine rounds while Colombia are in fifth place, one outside the guaranteed four qualifying positions and two points behind Ecuador and Uruguay.
Talking Points
Colombia tough to beat
With Brazil and Argentina are leading the pack, Colombia are in a group of nations that can’t afford to let their guard down and a hard-fought draw against Uruguay shows that Rueda’s men have their eyes on the ball, particularly goalkeeper David Ospina who had an outstanding game.
Since returning from the Copa America, Los Cafetaros World Cup 2022 results have been steady but not spectacular as they have recorded three draws against Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and a home win against Chile.
Colombia started against Uruguay with the experienced Radamel Falcao and Rafael Santos Borre up front but Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata will be hoping to start against Brazil.
Davinson Sanchez is likely to return to the heart of defence while winger Juan Cuadrado and Luis Diaz are set to continue alongside the midfield pair of Mateus Uribe and Wilmar Barrios.
Brazil just love going on tour
The Samba Boys love a party and they love an away trip since they’re unbeaten in 21 games on the road and with a winning streak of 11 matches.
After a clash with Argentina was called off due to COVID, Brazil met Peru early in September and won a narrow battle 1-0 but that is the closest they have been pushed.
In Venezuela on Thursday, they went behind early in the first half. But when Marquinhos headed home a second-half corner, Brazil eased away as Gabriel Barbosa scored a penalty and debutant Antony made it 1-3.
Gabriel Jesus started for the first time since being sent off in the Copa America semi-final alongside Leeds United’s Raphinha and they are both pushing for a place against Colombia on Sunday.
Neymar back in contention
But there is competition for places up front with PSG striker Neymar back in the reckoning after the 29-year-old missed the last game through suspension.
Even with stars such as Jesus, Raphinha, Richarlison, and Roberto Firmino around, Neymar is generally Tite’s first pick and he will be fielding a strong team against Colombia.
Brazil have accumulated 27 points from nine games and when the final list of teams for Qatar 2022 is complete, they will be there at the top and the tournament World Cup 2022 betting odds will place the Selecao as one of the favourites.
Tite wants to book his ticket sooner rather than later.
History
Colombia have won just one of the last 14 meetings with Brazil in all competitions, drawing six and losing seven, and the last meeting was packed with drama.
A brilliant volley from Diaz gave Colombia a lead in the group game in Rio de Janeiro but Firmino’s late equaliser stood despite fierce protests from the Colombia players.
Brazil’s equaliser was aided by the ball striking the referee in the build up and Los Cafeteros were furious. But their anger was multiplied when Casemiro headed in a corner from Neymar in the last action of the game.
In terms of recent form, Brazil have won five and lost one of the last six which was the Copa America final to Argentina.
Meanwhile, Colombia have won two, drawn three, and lost just once – which was a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Copa.
And while Brazil have a stunning record on the road, Los Cafeteros are unbeaten in seven at home in all competitions. But in 13 attempts, Colombia have failed to beat Brazil in a single World Cup qualifying game.
Betting Tip
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Colombia vs Brazil | 1X2 Brazil @ 2.11 |
| October 11, 5:00 (GMT+8) |
At SBOTOP odds of 3.25 to win or 3.06 for a draw, the Colombians have a decent chance of picking up a positive result.
And with an encounter against Ecuador sandwiched in between two qualifiers against Brazil, Rueda knows his side needs to keep the points rolling in to protect their chances of qualifying.
But the Selecao are in ruthless form and a narrow 0-1 victory is the most likely result at odds of 5.22.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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