Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 5/4
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Signing off their World Cup qualifying adventure in the early hours of Wednesday, Brazil will travel to El Alto when they meet Bolivia.
Bolivia
Starting with the hosts, heading into their final qualifying showdown in the early hours of Wednesday, Bolivia know that their World Cup dreams are hanging by a thread and a potential miracle is needed in Al Alto. Returning to home soil in midweek sat one-point adrift of breaking into the play-off spot, Oscar Villegas’ camp will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge here. Despite signing off June’s international break with a much-needed 2-0 win against Chile, La Verde came immediately crashing back down to earth last time out. Completely blown away against Colombia over the weekend as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming, Bolivia have mustered just a single win from any of their previous eight qualifying appearances – a run that stems back over the past 11 months.
Bolivia Team News
While Oscar Lopez might still be waiting to make his senior debut for Spanish outfit Mallorca, the 19-year-old has been included in Villegas’ squad this month. Despite turning 38 earlier in the year, veteran goalkeeper Carlos Lampe will start between the sticks.
Completing a loan switch to America MG ahead of the 2025 campaign, Miguelito should keep his spot leading the line. Playing his domestic football with MLS outfit Montreal Efrain Morales will start at the heart of Bolivia’s defence in midweek.
Brazi
As for the visitors, while Carlo Ancelotti might have got his Brazilian adventure underway with a 0-0 stalemate against Ecuador back on June 6th, the South American icons have come roaring back. Last seen over the weekend putting in a dominant display on home soil as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp against Chile, the Selecao will simply be looking to sign off their qualifying campaign with a final statement of intent. Now collecting consecutive victories for the first time since October 2024, Brazil have also found some real defensive stability. Including a gritty 1-0 victory against Paraguay on June 11th, Wednesday’s guests have not shipped a single strike in any of Ancelotti’s first three matchups in charge. Likewise, this is the first time that Brazil have recorded three straight clean sheets since March 2022.
Brazil Team News
Coming off the bench and finding the net against Chile over the weekend, West Ham talisman Lucas Paqueta could be handed a full recall. Likewise, notching a pair of goals in his first three Premier League appearances, Tottenham marksman Richarlison will be hoping for a chance from the start in midweek.
However, completing a £60million move to Chelsea over the summer and making an immediate impact, Joao Pedro should keep his spot leading the line. Only further underlining his status as Ancelotti’s number one choice, Liverpool superstar Alisson will start between the sticks.
Bolivia vs Brazil Key Factors to Consider
- When Bolivia and Brazil last met back in September 2023, the South American giants collected a 5-1 victory on home soil.
- Brazil have won all of their four straight meetings against Bolivia by an aggregate score of 17-1.
- The Selecao have conceded just a single strike in strike in their last seven showdowns against Bolivia.
- Brazil have recorded three consecutive clean sheets for the first time since March 2022.
- Bolivia have recorded a clean sheet in four of their past five home fixtures across all competitions.
Conclusion
Cruising their way to a routine 3-0 victory against Chile over the weekend, Brazil will be looking to sign off their World Cup qualifying campaign with another flurry. Although Ancelotti might have only got his South American adventure underway over the summer, the former Real Madrid boss has offered some immediate defensive steel. In fact, Brazil have recorded three consecutive clean sheets across all competitions for the first time since way back in March 2022. It should also be noted, the Selecao have shipped just a single strike in their previous seven showdowns against Bolivia.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 5/4
Bookmaker: Dachbet
