Coming into the penultimate qualifying matchday, Colombia’s task was simply to win and confirm their place in next year’s tournament. While Bolivia also knew that victory was needed in order to still be in contention for either an automatic berth or a place in the play-offs.
With this in mind, it was a cagey start from both sides, and it took until midway through the first half for either to create a chance as James Rodríguez headed on goal, but his effort was saved. The Club Leon midfielder continued to probe and did find the back of the net following a swift team move.
The ball was played out to the right flank, where Santiago Arias picked out Rodriguez in the box to sweep home a first-time finish and give Colombia the lead going into the HT break.
The second half began much like the first, in cagey fashion, taking until the final quarter-hour mark for it to spring to life. Juan Quintero played a superb through ball to send Jhon Cordoba in on goal, and he made no mistake sweeping in at the near post.
The result was wrapped up in the 83rd minute as Quintero was this time picked out in the box, where he took a touch and fired in to send his nation to next year’s tournament.
Victory for Colombia books their place next Summer, while Bolivia are left needing a miracle in the final qualifying matchday to sneak in via the intercontinental play-offs, but face the mammoth task when they host Brazil.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Juan Quintero (Colombia)