Brazil vs. Colombia: WCQ Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

Thursday night's CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match is a highlight contest between Brazil and Colombia.

Despite both countries' lethargic November windows—during which they fell farther behind the leaders—they seem certain to cruise to the finals next summer.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

More than any other region, South American countries have profited from the World Cup's enlarged structure. This is particularly true for Brazil, a team that was in danger of missing the finals under the previous 32-team system.

Previously, Brazil's current position of fifth would have qualified them for the playoffs; however, with Paraguay hot on their heels, only the top six teams will progress to the next round.

Despite a dismal 18 points from 36 games played so far, the Selecao's losses to Peru and Chile in October made their losses to Venezuela and Uruguay a month later seem less devastating.

Dorival Junior is still in control, but after last year's poor performance in the Copa America and dismal qualifying campaign, it's hard to see him leading the team into next summer's finals.

A victory here would be helpful in alleviating some of the strain on next week's highly heated match against Argentina, where points are still needed.

Impressively, Brazil will be closely monitoring the outcomes in Bolivia and Venezuela this month, hoping they can't gain any distance from them. This will relieve some of the strain that Brazil felt in October when they just needed a victory over Chile and Peru at home to avoid that kind of pressure.

Colombia is the next team up for the Selecao. In 14 prior matches, including the infamous 2014 World Cup quarterfinal in Fortaleza, Colombia has never lost a home match against Los Cafeteros.

With goals by Luis Diaz in the rematch against Brazil in November 2023, Colombia became the first team ever to defeat Brazil in a World Cup qualifier, paving the way for a flawless run to the finals.

Unfortunately, after an impressive start under manager Nestor Lorenzo—in which Colombia was undefeated in its first 25 matches—the team has lost four of its past seven.

Their qualifying performance took a nosedive, and their loss might have influenced the Copa America final. However, some really concerning outcomes cannot be excused as complacency.

As predicted, Lorenzo's squad defeated Chile in 2024. However, they lost three of their last four games, including a home match against Ecuador and a match against Bolivia, the latter of which played 70 minutes with 10 men.

Even if Bolivia's high altitude could be a factor, it didn't explain Ecuador's loss since Colombia was so careless with the ball, missing all 26 shots they took throughout the match.

Despite tying the game at 96 minutes, Marcelo Bielsa's team was able to exact revenge for their semi-final loss in the Copa America semi-finals thanks to a goal by Manuel Ugarte 11 minutes into extra time. The team's morale has taken a hit following the dramatic loss in Uruguay.

In only two months, Colombia went from second to fourth, but it still has a six-point lead over the chasing pack. Even if it loses again in Brazil, it will play Paraguay at home next week, which is a beneficial matchup.

Brazil vs. Colombia Team News

After a 17-month absence, Neymar was summoned to the Brazil team. However, he has been sidelined once again due to injury and will have to withdraw. Endrick will now take his position.

Lucas Moura and Oscar, who are now both back in Sao Paulo, are also not included; other surprising absences include Ederson, Igor Jesus, and Lucas Paqueta.

Injuries have sidelined Eder Militao, Bremer, and Danilo from the defense, while Ederson Moraes and Richarlison, who have both been out recently, will also not be able to play.

It is expected that James Rodriguez, who made a name for himself in Brazil at the 2014 World Cup by scoring in the quarterfinal loss to the Selecao, will return to lead his nation in this tournament.

Even though Luis Diaz's play has plummeted at Liverpool recently, he will still start for the away team, while Jhon Duran's transfer to Saudi Arabia has had no impact on his starting lineup.

The Eagles weren't in action last weekend because of the EFL Cup final. Therefore, Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma, two of Crystal Palace's most in-form players, got the weekend off.

Our predictions

Brazil to win @ 1.82 on Sky247.ng

Brazil has been the most intimidating host country in international football in the past, but the Selecao has only managed 11 points in their six home games this season. Thus, Colombia is optimistic going into this match.

With Dorival's entire roster at his disposal, the hosts have made a little improvement lately, winning their past four games to take eight points. They should be able to pull off the upset here against a Colombian team that has been struggling recently.

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