The international break is underway and the World Championship qualifications continue in South America. Peru host Colombia with hopes to get back to the winning column.
Colombia’s historic unbeaten streak that lasted over two years ended with a defeat to Argentina in July. Los Cafeteros reached as far as the Copa America final, losing to La Albiceleste in extra-time.
Colombia have already come close to securing a spot in the next World Championship with three wins and three draws in the first six qualification rounds. Only Uruguay and Argentina have performed better thus far.
Peru’s most recent experience also involved Argentina but La Blanquirroja met them in the group stage, losing 2-0. At the same time, the team stands at the bottom of the pile in the qualifications, remaining without a win after six games.
How the bookies view it: A one-sided affair
Colombia have been appointed as a heavy favourite ahead of this clash with 7/10 at Betfred. The draw has been valued at 5/2, while the home chances are estimated around 19/5.
Recent head-to-head: Advantage – Colombia
Peru and Colombia have played 26 matches against each other since the start of the century and this is one of the most active rivalries in the continent. Both sides have had good and bad periods, with wins going both ways. Peru won 2 of the last 10 clashes, Colombia won 5, and 3 ended in draws.
Players to watch: Colombia's goal machine
Peru’s performance at Copa America left much to be desired. Although there were positives regarding their defence, the fact remains that the team failed to score a single goal across three matches. Someone has to step up and score goals but it is hard to predict who has what it takes. Edison Flores was the team’s last goalscorer when he found the net against El Salvador in June.
Colombia’s unbeaten streak lasted 29 matches, with the team winning 22 of them between February 2022 and July 2024. Much of that was possible because of their prowess in attack with 1.9 goals scored per game on average. Watch out Colombia’s captain James Rodriguez as he contributed to a goal and six assists during Copa America.
Probable line-ups
Peru: Gallese, Corzo, Zambrano, Callens, Sonne, Cartagena, Pena, Lopez, Flores, Reyna, Guerrero
Colombia: Vargas, Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica, Rios, Lerma, Arias, Rodriguez, Cordoba, Diaz
Anything else catch the eye?
Colombia’s form over the last three years makes them a strong pick ahead of this fixture. This will be their first game since losing to Argentina but Nestor Lorenzo will have his best squad available.
Moreover, Colombia have not lost in 14 consecutive away games when they faced Peru. Their last defeat as a visitor against this opponent was in 1981. Their defensive efforts could also lead to a clean sheet as Los Cafeteros conceded only two goals in their last five fixtures.
This World Cup match between Peru and Colombia will be played on Sep 7, 2024 and kick off at 02:30. Check below for our tipsters best Peru vs Colombia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
