Chile vs Bolivia prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: World Championship – Qualification betting tips on match 2024-09-09 21:00.
[p]Chile fell further down the World Cup Qualification (WCQ) standings last Thursday with yet another loss to Argentina (3-0), a result that leaves them second-last in the table at the start of this round and looking at a third consecutive failed WCQ campaign as a result. It was precisely how they would not have wanted to respond to their first winless Copa América appearance in 20 years over the summer, particularly as they’re now on a seven-game winless run in competitive action (D3, L4).[/p]
[p]Head coach Ricardo Gareca accepted the imminent criticism and blasted his team’s performance in the loss to Argentina, simply stating “we played badly” and vowing to do everything he can to raise their standards instantly. Gareca did retain a sense of optimism though, pointing out that his side scored eight goals in his first three games in charge (W2, L1) prior to their current four-game goalless streak.[/p]
[p]Bolivia switched managers after losing five of their first six WCQs and, already renowned globally for their challenging high altitude stadiums, made history when the Estadio Municipal de El Alto became the highest venue above sea level (4,150m) to host a South American WCQ. They used that advantage to demolish Venezuela 4-0 but they still come into matchday eight sat outside of a 2026 World Cup qualification spot. [/p]
[p]Bolivia have now had to wait more than 30 years between World Cup finals appearances, and unless their horrendous away form changes dramatically, the drought may continue. Since CONMEBOL qualification moved to a double round-robin format for 1998, Bolivia have never won a WCQ away game from 64 attempts (D8, L56), though perhaps a 1-1 draw in this fixture in their 2022 WCQ campaign could inspire them to at least go home with a point. Â [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Chile’s Marcelino Núñez lacks no inspiration, being on the scoresheet in his first appearance against Bolivia as well as in his second game of Gareca’s tenure. When he opened the scoring against Venezuela, Ramiro Vaca became Bolivia’s first and only multiple goalscorer of this WCQ cycle.[/p]
[p]Hot streak: Bolivia’s last five losses (including friendlies) were by a 2+ goal margin.  [/p]
[p][i]Written by Aaron Murphy[/i][/p]