Colombia vs Uruguay
The October international break is here, and that just means the best football nations are off to embark on their World Cup 2026 campaign.
This will be an opportune time for national teams to showcase their new rosters, philosophies, and forms as they face rival countries in the World Cup qualifying matches.
Some clubs will have drastic changes from their 2022 campaign, which will be interesting to see. But some familiar faces, whom fans are always delighted to see on the pitch, are still present. It provides a good shakeup of beloved household names and a reveal of the future stars of the sport.
Talking Points
End of an era for Uruguay
When looking at the squad for Uruguay, one would immediately notice that neither Edison Cavani nor Luis Suarez are on the list.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa headlined the World Cup 2026 news when he opted to roll out with a young squad for the World Cup Qualifiers, with goalkeeper Sergio Rochet serving as the oldest in the team at 30 years old.
Uruguay’s potent one-two combo of Cavani and Suarez was left out of the squad during the nation’s first two rounds in the World Cup qualifying against Chile and Ecuador. Instead, Bielsa gave the responsibility to lead the team’s offence to Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.
Bielsa went to the Major Soccer League to complete his offence. Two players who got called up to play were Facundo Torres, who plays for Orlando City, and Cristian Olivera of the current MLS champions, Los Angeles FC.
Cavani and Suarez, both 36 years of age, are still serviceable for their current clubs. Suarez plays for Gremio, who are currently third in Brazil’s top flight, while Cavani plays for the illustrious Boca Juniors in Argentina.
Humbled James Rodriguez suits up for Colombia
James, who was once Colombia’s golden boy, will don his nation’s uniform once again, but with a different role this time.
The 32-year-old journeyman acknowledges that he is no longer the focal point of the Colombian national team, as head coach Néstor Lorenzo possesses a plethora of young studs who can provide more significant contributions on the pitch.
Rodriguez is now a veteran presence for the young players on the squad, and he is the man responsible for reinvigorating and orchestrating their offence when needed. His wisdom and experience would be of great value to the development of the young players, which would relieve some of the pressure off of Nestor Lorenzo’s shoulders.
“I am delighted and preparing myself well to assist the team. I am now older, at 32, an age where I can support my teammates on and off the field. I am mentally prepared to do just that. I want to aid all the young players,” he stated.
The Sao Paulo midfielder featured for a total of 47 minutes in Colombia’s matches against Venezuela and Chile. Having a talent like Rodriguez come off the bench would be reassuring for Nestor Lorenzo and Colombia’s youngsters.
History
These nations are no strangers to each other when it comes to football. They have face off against one another multiple times in the past and have been back and forth with whoever comes out victorious.
The last time these clubs faced off against one another was in the 2021 World Cup Qualifiers, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
Both sides seem to be matched, but historically, Uruguay has the upper hand by winning seven of the last 14 matches between them. Columbia won all three matches against Uruguay on their home soil, as Uruguay stayed undefeated against Colombia at Estadio Centenario.
Colombia have won their first World Cup qualifier match by defeating Venezuela 1-0. Los Cafeteros were in control for most of that match and convincingly controlled the ball all throughout. The lone goal of the game was struck by Rafael Santos Borré Maury in the opening minutes of the second half.
After their opening win, they tallied a draw against a promising Chile squad. Both teams were evenly matched, and neither one could find the back of the net. They ultimately settled for a 0-0 draw, which both teams surely regret.
Uruguay also started their World Cup qualifiers with a bang as they thrashed Chile 3-1 at Estadio Centenario. Nicolas de la Cruz was the hero for Uruguay. The 26-year-old midfielder found the back of the net twice against Chile to solidify his team’s opening victory.
Unlike Colombia, La Celeste failed to put up points in the league table. Ecuador stunned the seasoned Uruguay squad with a 2-1 victory. They were neck and neck in terms of possession and passes, but Ecuador’s offence looked to be hungrier for attacks as they flurried Uruguay’s defence with multiple convincing attempts at the goal.
Betting Tip
As the World Cup 2026 odds here at SBOTOP suggest, this match can go both ways. Colombia, however, are the slight favourites to win the match at 2.04, but the more exciting line is for Uruguay to win at 3.25. Personally, I’d pick the more enticing line for La Celeste if I’m going to choose the victor.
By now, it is clear that these teams are well matched, so expect this game to be a competitive one. O/U under 2.25 at 1.87 is a modest line, which implies that both teams are going to have a gritty fixture against each other’s defences. 2.25 at 1.87 shows enough value for it to be considered.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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