Colombia – Paraguay

At least two goals will be scored by the rivals in one of the main matches of the tourney

If the programme of the fourteenth round of the South American qualification was not scheduled for Argentina and Brazil, it would probably be the central match in the city of Barranquilla. Here will meet direct competitors in the fight for places in the top 6. This competition can not be called fierce, as both Paraguay and Colombia from the seventh position is separated by an impressive number of points, but the national teams are located in fifth and sixth places. That is, in the case of home defeat to Colombia and the victory of Bolivia in the parallel meeting of the round, Bolivians will approach Colombians on three points for four rounds before the finish. And then the intensity of the rivalry risks reaching another level for Diaz and company. For Colombia, the upcoming match is also important in psychological terms. The vice-champions of the Americas are having their worst stretch in recent years, with three consecutive defeats. Of course, fans are waiting for the end of the series in the match with Paraguay in their home arena. Bookmakers have identified the hosts as favourites for the upcoming encounter, offering odds of 1.55 on their victory. Despite three consecutive defeats at the end of last year, Colombia can definitely make 2023-2024 an asset. The team participated in the America's Cup last summer, where they finished top of the group with Brazil and Paraguay, before progressing through Panama and Uruguay in a playoff to a dramatic final with Argentina. In qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Jamez Rodriguez and his partners not only did not lose until October last year, but also won victories over Brazil and Argentina during that period. Both took place at the Colombians' home arena, where the Paraguayans will come in the next round. Paraguay itself has been doing much better than their upcoming opponents. Since the failed America's Cup, Paraguay have stopped losing, winning all their matches at home and drawing all their away games. Paraguay haven't beaten Colombia since 2017, and the last meeting between the rivals ended in a 2-1 victory for the Colombians at the aforementioned America's Cup. Let's bet that at least two goals will be scored in the upcoming meeting.