Argentina may currently lead the South America group in 2014 World Cup qualifying, but Colombia still has plenty to offer moving forward. Sitting only 5 points behind the pool leader and holding the edge over Ecuador on the strength of a substantial goal differential, the Colombian national team can bolster their chances of advancing to next summer's World Cup with a win in their next match against Peru.
While Colombia has played well throughout qualifying -- earning 20 points on the strength of 6 wins and 2 draws -- Peru has struggled at times during qualification play. Sitting in 6th place in the nine-nation group, the Peruvian nationals have only been able to accumulate 14 points thanks in large part to suffering 5 losses in 11 contests.
When and Where to Watch Qualifier
Colombia and Peru will look to improve their group standing when they meet on Tuesday, June 11 at the Estadio Metropolitano Robert Melendez in Colombia. The match is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m., EDT with television coverage to be provided by beIn Sport Espanol.
For those choosing to watch the game online, a livestream will be available by following this link.
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Colombia vs. Peru Preview
Posting a 6-2-3 record in World Cup qualifying matches, Colombia continues to be in the conversation when it comes to the handful of nations capable of competing at the Brazil games. Trailing group-leading Argentina by 5 points, Colombia is hoping to bounce back from a tough 1-0 loss to Venezuela over two months ago. The Colombian offense struggled mightily against a sound Venezuelan defensive unit and if they're to get back to winning ways and creep closer to the top of their group, Colombia will need a much better effort on the offensive end.
Radamel Falcao is the driving force behind the Colombian offense and with 6 goals throughout World Cup qualifying, Falcao will need to once again become the focal point of the offense. A member of the national team since 2007, the 27-year-old striker has proven to be a tremendous international player, notching 16 goals in 43 appearances with his hometown team. Support from Teofilo Gutierrez and James Rodriguez -- who scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Peru last year -- will only aid the Colombians in the match against a Peru team they're fully capable of defeating.
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While Colombia looks to add to their point total Tuesday night, Peru hopes to continue some positive momentum they created with a win over Ecuador last week. In something of a defensive struggle where both teams were held scoreless through regulation time, Peruvian captain Claudio Pizarro found the back of the net in stoppage time propelling Peru to a 1-0 victory over an Ecuadorian team that continues to stay among the leaders in the South American group.
With a total of 11 goals in World Cup qualification, Peru would love to get more production from playmakers Jefferson Farfan, Paolo Guerrero and Pizarro. Consistent defensive pressure and timely goal-scoring opportunities will certainly be the key in hanging with a dangerous Colombia team.
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Colombia vs. Peru Wrap-Up
Colombia and Peru could surely use the three points awarded to a winner and while there is still time to solidify an improved spot in their group, a solid performance Tuesday night will only benefit one of these teams moving forward.
Be sure to catch all the action on Tuesday, June 11 at 4:30 p.m., EDT. Television coverage will be provided by beIn Sport Espanol with an online live stream available by following this link.
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