Colombia vs Paraguay prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: World Championship – Qualification betting tips on match 2025-03-25 00:00.
[p]Colombia were on course for a hard-fought draw with Brazil before VinĂcius JĂşnior’s winner deep into injury time condemned them to a third consecutive World Cup qualifying (WCQ) defeat (L 2-1). Despite the setback, NĂ©stor Lorenzo’s side are still in good shape as they finished the matchday with a six-point lead over seventh-placed Bolivia, so their chances of automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals via a top-six finish are firmly alive with five rounds remaining.[/p]
[p]The trio of losses could be a worry given the Coffee Growers had not suffered three consecutive international defeats since 2008, which rather ominously actually stretched to four games courtesy of a loss at home to upcoming opponents Paraguay! Whilst Colombia have enjoyed better results of late, losing none of the last six H2Hs (W4, D2), their home record in this fixture is less convincing, with just one win across the last six home WCQ H2Hs (D2, L3).[/p]
[p]Looking to pile more pressure on the home side, Paraguay arrive in Bogotá on a seven-match unbeaten run (W4, D3) after a 1-0 win against Chile on Thursday moved them one point clear of Colombia in the standings (W5, D5, L3). As Gustavo Alfaro’s team try to record an eight-match unbeaten sequence for the first time since a run that ended in June 2021, they’ll be taking nothing for granted as Colombia were the last side to beat them in a WCQ game, back in November 2023 in Asunción.[/p]
[p]Although the GuaranĂes have had the better of recent WCQ H2Hs in Colombia, their general travelling record still leaves a lot to be desired as they haven’t won a WCQ away game since beating Venezuela in October 2020 (D7, L7)! Their 2-2 draw in Bolivia in November might offer some encouragement here, as they hadn’t scored in 12 consecutive away WCQs prior to that (D5, L7).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Colombia could turn to Juan Quintero as he has registered two goal contributions (G1, A1) across his last three club games, whilst he also netted against Uruguay in November. Miguel AlmirĂłn could provide a creative spark for Paraguay after he produced two assists across his last four club games.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Paraguay are yet to score before the 15th minute during this WCQ campaign.[/p]
[p][i]Written by John Pennington[/i][/p]