celebrity writers

World Cup Qualifiers

Qualifying Matches for the 2010 Football Tournament in South Africa

Sep 4, 2008

Here's a brief preview of the South American qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, along with my match predictions

Argentina - Paraguay

Argentina hasn't beaten Paraguay for 35 years in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires, but will be hoping to do just this on Saturday. La Albiceleste, who won Olympic Gold last month, still comes into the match as the favorite, and Argentina's home fans will be demanding a good victory over a Paraguayan side who is currently leading the South American qualifying group.

Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Paraguay

Ecuador - Bolivia

Despite a strong squad, Ecuador has been in poor form so far in the World Cup qualifiers. Ecuador has dropped lots of points at home so far, but is in a good position to defeat Bolivia in Quito. Bolivia, who only won its first qualifier in the previous round -- a 4-2 victory over Paraguay -- has improved a great deal, and seems to have a squad good enough to pick up a point on the road. Still, in order to manage this Bolivia has to be on top of its game at all moments.

Prediction: Ecuador 2-0 Bolivia

Colombia - Uruguay

Colombia is still undefeated in the qualifiers, and will be looking for all three points at home against Uruguay in Bogota. Jorge Luis Pinto, Colombia's coach, counts with a very exciting squad, but knows in their way stands a very efficient Uruguay, who thrashed Peru 6-0 in its previous qualifier at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo. It is likely to be a very evenly contested match that will be determined by a moment of magic. On current form it seems Uruguay will get this one.

Prediction: Colombia 0-1 Uruguay

Peru - Venezuela

The Peruvians are struggling in the qualifiers, and are bottom of the group having yet to record a win. For this grudge match Peru will be unable to count with several of its key players, including Claudio Pizarro and Jefferson Farfan, but their coach, Guillermo del Solar, insists that they have the will and determination to pick up what would be three crucial points. Venezuela has improved a great deal in recent years and will be very difficult opponents to break down in what will be another highly balanced match.

Prediction: Peru 2-2 Venezuela

Chile - Brazil

After several disappointing results, including a 2-0 loss to Paraguay and a 0-0 draw with Argentina at home in Belo Horizonte, Brazil is feeling the heat. Carlos Dunga's side must beat Chile in Santiago to put an end to their many critics, but it won't be easy. Chile is a solid unit and comes into the match after having won its two last qualifiers (both away from home). Marcelo Bielsa has assembled a strong squad, who have the potential to beat the Brazilians on home soil. The result of the match could determine the immediate future of the five-time World Champions.

Prediction: Chile 1-1 Brazil

The copyright of the article World Cup Qualifiers in International Soccer is owned by Gregory Sica. Permission to republish World Cup Qualifiers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.