Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Peru
Match Time & Date:
07/09/2024
03:30
Prediction: 0-2
Colombia
Saturday’s World Cup qualifier at Estadio Monumental (Lima) pits together Peru and Colombia. La Blanquirroja failed to impress at the 2024 Copa America and given their poor performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, home win should not be considered. A man to watch in the home team will be Universitario forward Edison Flores, who has netted 16 goals in 76 appearances for the national team.
Los Cafeteros, on the other hand, aim to bounce back from the unlucky loss to Argentina in the Copa America and given Peru’s three-game goalless run, away triumph should definitely be considered. As always, the opposition back-line should have Liverpool ace Luis Diaz at bay. Juan Camilo Portilla (Talleres) has received a surprising call-up, with new Rayo Vallecano signing James Rodriguez making the cut as well. You should bear in mind that in their last meeting in Lima Colombia defeated Peru 3-0.
Highlighted Player (James Rodriguez):
James Rodriguez is an attacking midfielder who plays for Spanish giants Real Madrid. The Colombian superstar played for the likes of Envigado and Banfield at the start of his career and he moved to Europe in 2010, joining Portuguese side Porto for a fee of €5.1 million.
James scored 25 goals in 63 league appearances with the Dragons and in 2013 he joined Monaco. His transfer to the Ligue 1 side was the second most expensive in the history of Portuguese Primeira Liga (€45 million) and he signed a five-year contract with les Rouges et Blancs. The Colombian ace impressed at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and, as a result, Real Madrid chiefs signed him on 22 July, 2014 for an undisclosed fee.
However, reports in Spain suggested that the fee was approximately €80 million. Rodriguez scored 13 goals in 29 league appearances for Real Madrid in the 2014/2015 Primera Division campaign and he was in Gareth Bale’s shadow in the 2015/2016 season. James is well known for his technical skills, his vision and the ability to create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Highlighted Team (Peru):
Peru national team has been competing at the international stage since 1927 when they played their first ever match against Uruguay. Over the course of their history, La Blanquirroja have formed long-standing rivalries with Chile and Ecuador while 1970s brought the team a worldwide recognition during the period that is to this date considered the most successful in Peruvian football.
Teofilo Cubillas, the team’s top scorer with 26 goals to his name is considered Peru’s greatest player helped the team qualify for three World Cups and win the Copa America in 1975. Peru are the two-time champion of the tournament, who came close to lifting the Copa America trophy again in recent years, finishing third in 2011 and 2015 respectively.
La Blanquirroja are managed by Ricardo Gareca commonly referred to as the Tiger who will lead his team to 2016 Copa America Centenario looking to win Peru its first trophy at a major tournament since 1982.
