Bolivia still have a small chance to make it to the playoff spot in their qualification, but face a big hurdle in the form of visitors Brazil.

Oscar Villegas will want a total performance from Bolivia, as they face a stern test of character against visitors Brazil. There is a lot on the line, especially considering they have not qualified for a World Cup finals since the 1994 edition in the USA.

The hosts are certainly harbouring hopes of visiting the same host nation in 2026, but their participation hinges on their ability to beat Brazil and on the hope that Venezuela drop points. In their penultimate game of this qualification round, Bolivia were thrashed by Colombia 3-0, and they are hoping Colombia will now do the same to Venezuela.

However, the prospect of beating Brazil will be tough, although Bolivia have a great history on home soil when it comes to hosting top teams. However, their record against the Selecao is nothing to be inspired by, as the last time they defeated the South American behemoths was in 2009, on home soil.

Meanwhile, Brazil climbed up the ladder and into second place following their win over Chile. Carlo Ancelotti’s men were comfortable against the former Copa America champions, as goals from Estevao Willian, Lucas Paqueta, and Bruno Guimaraes proved enough to secure the points.

Ecuador’s draw against Paraguay ensured Brazil’s win meant something as they climbed into the second spot. The visitors still need to cement the runners-up spot in the standings, and they will have to beat Bolivia, as there is every chance for Uruguay and Ecuador to usurp them. However, they will go to Bolivia, albeit under tricky conditions as always, aiming to get a win being the favourites in this clash.

Team News & Tactics

Bolivia

Oscar Villegas could make some key changes to his side, as Roberto Fernandez could move back to a left-back slot after featuring in the front three against Colombia.

The manager could bring Carmelo Algaranaz back into the lineup and the forward line, alongside Moises Paniagua and Miguelito. Villegas might stick with his midfield setup as Robson Matheus, Ervin Vaca and Gabriel Villamil are set to keep their places there.

At the back, Diego Medina and Roberto Fernandez are expected to feature in the full-back roles, while Efrain Morales and captain Luis Haquin will feature centrally. Villegas will likely employ an attacking setup in a bid to get something out of this clash.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Lampe; Medina, Haquin, Morales, Fernandez; Matheus, Vaca, Villamil; Panaiagua, Miguelito; Algaranaz

Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti did not take Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior because he is all too familiar with those stars. The new Brazil boss insisted on testing other names, meaning there could be more experiments with the team, while keeping some core players in the lineup.

Gabriel Magalhaes had a good outing against Chile, but he has only recently returned from a big injury, so he could be afforded some rest. Lille centre-back Alexsandro could be in line to replace the Arsenal star in the heart of the defence, while Ancelotti might retain the experienced Marquinhos in the setup.

Caio Henrique might replace Douglas Santos at left-back, while Wesley Franca could retain his spot at right-back. Ancelotti might use Andrey Santos in his midfield in place of Casemiro, while Bruno Gumaraes will retain his place in the middle. Similarly, Lucas Paqueta will retain his place in the advanced role.

Luiz Henrique might come on the right wing, while Gabriel Martinelli could make way for Samuel Lino on the left side. Finally, there could be a start for Richarlison in the No.9 role in place of Joao Pedro.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Wesley, Marquinhos, Alexsandro, Caio Henrique; Santos, Guimaraes; Henrique, Paqueta, Lino; Richarlison

Key Stats

• Bolivia have one win in their last six World Cup qualifying games.
• Bolivia have not beaten Brazil since a home win back in October 2009.
• Brazil have lost just once in their last six World Cup qualifying games.
• Brazil have kept three consecutive clean sheets, compared to three in 14 before Carlo Ancelotti took over.

Player to Watch

Richarlison

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The Tottenham striker has had an unusual two years or so with club and country. However, he has picked up form since the new campaign began, and Carlo Ancelotti has immediately taken his chances with the Spurs man. However, the 28-year-old could have a big chance to prove his worth in a Brazil shirt, as he’s widely expected to start against Bolivia.

There is a lot at stake when it comes to a place cementing a place in this squad for next year’s World Cup. Hence, performances in these games, like Bolivia, will probably count a lot for Richarlison to leave an impression on Ancelotti to keep the Spurs man in his plans.

Prediction

Bolivia 0-2 Brazil

Bolivia have always produced tricky results, especially when big teams come, with the geographic conditions infamous among fellow South American sides. However, the home side are not in the best vein of form heading into this crucial and final qualifier, as they are under pressure to beat Brazil and hope Venezuela loses.

Meanwhile, Brazil will always come into clashes like these as the overwhelming favourites, and they will get another big result here. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are expected to keep a fourth consecutive clean sheet, as Bolivian hearts are likely to break at the end of this game. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for the Selecao.