Colombia vs. Chile: Score and Reaction for World Cup 2018 Qualifying
Colombia and Chile battled to a 0-0 draw in a CONMEBOL qualifier for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez in Barranquilla, Colombia, on Thursday.
The stalemate means Chile are still outside the four automatic qualification places in fifth in the South American section, while Colombia sit third as they seek progression to the 2018 tournament, per FIFA's official website.
Chile's lineup featured a host of players European football audiences are familiar with. Among them were Bayern Munich midfield workhorse Arturo Vidal and former Premier League pair Jean Beausejour and Mauricio Isla, per the team's official Twitter account:
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"¡LOS ELEGIDOS DE PIZZI!
— Selección Chilena (@LaRoja) November 10, 2016"
Esta es la formación de #LaRoja para enfrentar a Colombia.
#VamosChile ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/qtSOKhc9iI
As for Colombia, Aston Villa man Carlos Sanchez was at the heart of midfield, per the team's Twitter account:
"#COLCHI Así forma #FCFMayores vs @LaRoja: Ospina; Arias, Mina, O. Murillo, Díaz; Sánchez, Abel, James, Berrío, Cardona; Borja
— Selección Colombia (@FCFSeleccionCol) November 10, 2016"
Colombia manager Jose Pekerman did spring a mild surprise, though, leaving strikers Radamel Falcao and Carlos Bacca on the bench.
Chile relied on Eduardo Vargas in the absence of injured Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez (hamstring). Vargas was fluid in his movement and keyed a strong start for the visitors.
The notable moments of that start saw Vidal drag a volley just past the post. However, Colombia stayed compact and grew in confidence going forward as the half progressed.
In fact, the hosts crafted the two best chances. The first saw Oscar Murillo fail to get his head to an expert delivery from Real Madrid's James Rodriguez. Then Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo had to nimbly turn away Miguel Borja's header.
Borja was Colombia's brightest player in the final third throughout the early stages. The Atletico Nacional forward's lightning pace and bullish strength regularly proved to be too much for Chile's full-backs.
Still, neither side found a breakthrough before the break despite some promising moments at both ends.
Borja impressed, but Pekerman replaced him with Falcao at half-time. Pekerman continued to refresh things when Colombia struggled to get going after the break, introducing Sampdoria forward Luis Muriel to try to provide some inspiration.
Meanwhile, Chile were forced into a significant change of their own when a wounded Bravo departed after a clash with Santiago Arias. Johnny Herrera came in between the posts.
Despite their changes, both sides continued to struggle to fashion clear-cut chances. A lung-bursting run by James ultimately led to nothing before Falcao narrowly failed to wriggle free into a shooting chance in the box.
James came close again, but the classy No. 10's arrowed shot was blocked by some brave defending.
Even with an extended period of stoppage time, neither side could get the win.
Colombia, who sit in third place with 18 points, will face Argentina on Tuesday. Chile, who are in fifth with 17 points, will play Uruguay.
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