Colombia will be return to winning ways in their World Cup 2022 qualification section when they take on Peru at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez on Friday.
The home side, who have only won three of their 14 fixtures in the section, are currently fourth in their South American qualification group, level on points with fifth-placed Peru.
Colombia have won three, drawn eight and lost three of their 14 qualification matches to collect 17 points, which has left them fourth in the section, six points behind third-placed Ecuador and level on points with fifth-placed Peru ahead of Friday’s clash between the two sides.
La Tricolor have actually drawn four of their last five qualification fixtures 0-0, in addition to suffering a 1-0 defeat to Brazil back in November, so they have not been victorious since recording a 3-1 victory over Chile in September.
As it stands, Reinaldo Rueda’s side are in a qualification position, but they are actually only two points clear of eighth-placed Bolivia, and the fact that they have only won three of their 14 qualification matches thus far is a concern.
Colombia have been present in the finals of the last two World Cups, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2014 tournament before making the round of 16 four years later.
The Tricolors should also enter this match full of confidence considering that they have only lost once to Peru since July 2011 and have been victorious in four of the last five games between the two sides.
Peru, meanwhile, have won their last two World Cup qualification fixtures, beating Bolivia 3-0 before recording a 2-1 victory over Venezuela in their two matches back in November.
The White and Reds are firmly in the picture for a top-four finish at this stage, boasting 17 points from 14 matches, which has left them in fifth position in the table heading into Friday’s contest.
Ricardo Gareca’s side would go above Colombia with a win in this match, and the fact that they have picked up nine points from the last 15 available should mean that confidence is high in the camp.
Peru have been present in the finals of a World Cup on five previous occasions, with their best performance in the competition coming back in 1970, when they reached the quarter-finals.
La Blanquirroja also qualified for the 2018 edition of the tournament, exiting in the group stage, having lost two of their three matches to finish third in Group C behind France and Denmark.
Colombia World Cup Qualifying – South America form:
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Colombia form (all competitions):
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Peru World Cup Qualifying – South America form:
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Peru form (all competitions):
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We say: Colombia 2-1 Peru
Peru will fancy their chances of picking up a positive result here considering their recent performances, but it is difficult to back against Colombia in this contest. The home side have had their issues in the section but should have enough quality to secure all three points on their return to qualification action.