Chile vs Bolivia Prediction: 10/9/2024

Chile has not qualified for the last World Cup and is now facing a crucial moment in these qualifiers as the team struggles to regain its former strength. Their campaign began poorly, with three losses, two draws, and only one win, a 2-0 victory over Peru.

However, nothing is yet decided, and there have been some promising signs during friendly matches in March and June, where Chile convincingly defeated Albania and Paraguay 3-0, but narrowly lost to France 3-2. Despite these glimpses of hope, La Roja underperformed in the Copa America, failing to score in three matches—against Peru (0-0), Argentina (0-1), and Canada (0-0)—leading to their elimination in the group stage. This trend continued in their first match of the current break, where they were soundly beaten 3-0 by Argentina without scoring.

Bolivia has also been in a tough spot, suffering 12 defeats in their last 14 matches. During their World Cup qualifying campaign, they lost to Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay but managed a victory against a weaker Peru side.

In friendlies, their losing streak persisted, with only a shaky 1-0 win over Andorra. In the Copa America, Bolivia failed to secure a single point, losing to the United States (2-0), Uruguay (5-0), and Panama (3-1). However, in a recent match, they shocked Venezuela with a 4-0 victory, a rare moment of pride.

Chile is experiencing a generational shift as the icons of their golden era gradually step away. Legendary goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, with 150 caps, has retired, while key players like Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel, and Alexis Sanchez are no longer part of the squad.

This transition has opened the door for a new generation, including players like Ben Brereton Diaz, who has 34 caps and 7 goals, Marcelino Núñez of Norwich (29 caps, 5 goals), Guillermo Maripán (formerly of Monaco), and Gabriel Suazo (now at Toulouse). These younger talents must now take on greater responsibility on the international stage. Some seasoned players remain, such as Mauricio Isla, with 143 caps and 5 goals, and Eduardo Vargas, with 113 caps and 42 goals, to provide leadership as Chile seeks to return to its former heights.

Bolivia’s squad primarily consists of players based in Latin America, relying on experienced figures to stabilize the team. Notable players include goalkeeper Carlos Lampe (56 caps), defenders José Sagredo (58 caps), Roberto Fernández (38 caps), Luis Haquín (38 caps), and midfielder Ramiro Vaca (38 caps). In attack, Carmelo Algarañaz (27 caps) remains a key figure.

However, compared to the last Copa America, Bolivia is missing several key players, such as defender Adrian Jusino (36 caps), midfielders Leonel Justiniano (54 caps) and Saucedo (26 caps), and attackers Rodrigo Ramallo (7 goals in 41 caps) and Bruno Miranda (3 goals in 20 caps). Following the retirement of top scorer Marcelo Martins at the end of 2023, Bolivia has struggled to score, although they netted four goals in their last match thanks to Algarañaz, Vaca, and two young talents from Santos, Miguelito and Monteiro.

 

Prediction

Bolivia has had significant difficulties on the road since returning to World Championship 2026 qualifiers, earning just one point from a possible 17 and being outscored 12-3. In contrast, Chile has won 12 of their last 18 home games at this level and should be confident about securing a positive result against a struggling Bolivian side.

Prediction: Chile 0-0 Bolivia