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Boxing Early Bird Tips for South America World Cup Qualifiers: It’s all about the altitude in round two
South American expert Nathan Joyes puts forward his early bird tips for the upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers.
As Argentina head to Bolivia, Uruguay make the gruelling trip to Ecuador and Brazil head to Peru, it’s a chance for the home sides to take advantage of their conditions.
- Early Bird Tips for Bolivia vs Argentina: Both Teams To Score – Yes
- Early Bird Tips for Ecuador vs Uruguay: Ecuador -0.25 Asian Handicap
- Early Bird Tips for Peru vs Brazil: Peru to Score
Acca odds: 6.40
Odds via bet365 as at 10:00, 7th September 2023. Odds may now differ.
Bolivia vs Argentina: La Paz’s altitude to cause all kinds of problems
Bolivia, World Cup qualifiers, Tuesday 12th September, 21:00 (UK)
It’s a dark moment in time for Bolivian football. Both of their top-flight domestic leagues have been cancelled due to match-fixing amongst both players and officials. However, the opportunity for their national team to be a shining light can begin when the World Cup holders visit La Paz.
I’ve mentioned plenty of times before in my columns about the extreme altitude in La Paz. In the middle of the Andes Mountains, La Paz is over 11,000 feet above sea level. The conditions will be tough with 50% less oxygen compared to Argentina and with the vast majority of the squad playing in Europe.
In the last qualifiers, Bolivia picked up 13 points at home, scoring 17 goals while conceding 14. They picked up more points than Chile, Paraguay and Venezuela. They also outscored everyone bar Ecuador and Brazil at home.
With a new manager at the helm, who looks to play direct football, this could be Argentina’s worst nightmare, who have only kept one clean sheet in Bolivia, ever – back in 1973.
Ecuador vs Uruguay: Away side to keel over in Quito
Ecuador, World Cup Qualifiers, Tuesday 12th September,, 22:00 (UK)
One of the main reasons why South America’s World Cup qualifying is so competitive is due to the sheer amount of travelling and unique playing destinations.
Like Bolivia, Quito has its own altitude advantage (9186 feet above sea level). It was no surprise to see Ecuador’s home form third in the table in the last qualifiers – only behind Argentina and Brazil.
With no Luis Suarez or Edinson Cavani leading the line, this is a completely new look side for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, who make the trip to Ecuador from Uruguay less than 48 hours before the fixture. With no time to adjust to the conditions, it’s a huge advantage for the home side.
The last time these two met, Ecuador won 4-2 at home, and the fact they are odds-against is rather generous. The fact Uruguay has made such a transition to their squad, and with players featuring from Mexican and US clubs, the squad may struggle on the road.
Peru vs Brazil: Vulnerable defence to be tested
Peru, South America , Wednesday 13th September, 03:00 (UK)
While Lima doesn’t have the luxury of the high altitudes that La Paz and Quito have to offer, there’s still reason for optimism for the home side. With humidity levels above 80%, the conditions will still be testing – especially for the vast majority of Brazilians who have now acclimatised to Europe.
Diniz had the luxury of hosting Bolivia in his first match in charge, but a trip to Peru will be a completely different test. The home side narrowly missed out on Qatar to Australia in a play-off penalty shootout, but their performances in Lima caught the eye.
Collecting 14 points wasn’t to be dismissed lightly. There’s no such thing as an easy game in South American qualifying. And despite Brazil qualifying with ease, they did concede four on the road – two of which came in Lima when they defeated Peru 4-2.
With Diniz wanting to play out from the back, Peru’s high press in front of their own fans should see them create chances. Let’s not also forget Brazil recently conceded four against Senegal, two against Morocco and one against Guinea.
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