Our match prediction:
Bolivia
Match Time & Date:
01/09/2016
21:00 GMT
Prediction: 1-2
Peru
Peruvian national team continues the FIFA World Cup South American qualifying tournament with a trip to Bolivia, aiming to grab three points at Estadio Hernando Siles. Ricardo Gareca’s men will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointing Copa America Centernario quarter-final exit at the hands of Colombia and get their World Cup qualifiers on track following a disappointing six rounds. Peru has won only one and drawn another one qualifying match while losing on four occasions and find themselves sitting the eight place with 4 points to the name. Situation is much worse for the Bolivian national team though, who won only one qualifying match and lost the remaining 5. Julio Cesar Baldivieso’s side have notched seven consecutive defeats since their 4-2 victory over Venezuela and the game against Peru comes as a chance for La Verde to end the disappointing run in front of their home crowd. It will be a daunting task considering that Bolivia have failed to beat Peru in their last seven encounters.
Highligted Player (Vargas):
Juan Manuel Vargas is an experienced 32-year-old left back who can also play as a winger. He currently plays for the Spanish club Real Betis. Vargas is well-known for his dribbles, free-kicks and accurate crosses. He started his career with Universitario where he quickly became a first-team regular by 2004. His first stint in Italy was with Serie A club Catania in 2006. Vargas was one of their best players and was always a first team regular at Catania. His impressive performances helped them retain their Serie A survival for two seasons. With many clubs vying for his signature, Vargas joined Fiorentina in 2008 for a reported transfer fee of €12 million – reportedly rebuffing Real Madrid. Though he struggled initially, Vargas settled in an advanced attacking role after becoming a crucial part of the Viola squad. His international career began in 2004 and has represented his country in 62 matches so far.
Highlighted Team (Bolivia):
Bolivian Football Federation has been established in 1926 and it is one of the 10 member of South American Football Confederation. Managed by Julio Cesar Baldivieso, La Verde have gone through difficult times since their second place finish at Copa America 1997. Three-time World Cup participants have last appeared at the global stage in 1994 and they have never gone past the first round on any of the three tournaments, scoring only one goal at the tournament held in the USA. Bolivia took part in 24 Copa America tournaments since their debut in 1926 and the most prominent result was their 1963 title. Luis Hector Cristaldo and Marco Sandy are the two players with most caps for Bolivia with their 93 international appearances, while Joaquin Botero’s name still stands at the top of the scoring charts with the former Bolivian international netting 20 during his time with the national team.
