World Cup Odds: Chile vs Colombia Qualifying Match Preview

Two of the top soccer nations in the world clash in World Cup qualifying Friday as Chile faces Colombia.

Currently second in South American qualifying, Colombia, ranked fifth by FIFA, can book its ticket for the 2014 World Cup in neighboring Brazil with a win. They face Chile, ranked No. 16, which is guaranteed at least a playoff shot at getting into the global soccer showcase next summer.

Colombia was favored midweek at -110 in World Cup odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com with Chile at +300 and the draw line at +240.

Chile is in third place in South America with 24 points, and this game could be more important for them.

Chile has won three of the last four matches against the Colombians, but they lost at home in their last match, a World Cup qualifier last September. Chile will have a tough time facing a Columbia defense that has five clean sheets at home in qualifying so far.

The past three meetings between these rivals have played OVER the total, according to the Chile vs Colombia matchup report.

The Chilean defense will have to key on the Colombian duo of Radamel Falcao (six goals) and Teofilo Gutierrez (three goals). If they can keep those players in check, they have a good chance to win this match and stay ahead of Ecuador and Uruguay in the standings.

Chile is resigned to playing stout defense, as they lack a dynamic and creative offense. In World Cup qualifying, Matias Fernandez is their leading scorer and he only has three goals.

Both teams have won eight of their 14 qualifying games to date. Defense has proven the difference maker.

Chile has conceded 21 goals while Colombia has allowed just nine.

The match is being played at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez.