When David Bowie and Queen combined forces to write "Under Pressure" they likely did not have a World Cup qualifier between Bolivia and Uruguay in mind. Ok, ok, they didn't at all, but there's no question that as CONMEBOL qualifying moves in to it's second half, these two teams are under major pressure to earn points, and soon.
Bolivia vs. Uruguay, 2014 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying: Preview and TV schedule
With an ageing and struggling squad, Uruguay will look to improve their horrid away record in qualifying with a win against Bolivia.
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Uruguay are struggling after two straight away thrashings at the hands of Colombia and Argentina. Add to that the fact that some of this team's stars are not only getting old, their play is looking old. Guys like Diego Forlan, Diego Lugano and Andrés Scotti are not looking like the players that helped leading Uruguay to the 2011 Copa America title. Perhaps Óscar Tabárez is getting caught trying to get a little too much out of these ageing stars, but it's not all doom and gloom for La Celeste.
Uruguay is in fourth, the final automatic qualifying spot, ahead of fifth place Chile (who are in the playoff spot) on goal differential. Fortunately for Tabárez, Chile are not impressing anyone at the moment and there no reason to believe Uruguay can't hold on to their fourth spot. Three points against Bolivia in altitude of La Paz would be a big help, but that's no easy place to play.
Bolivia aren’t likely to threaten for a qualification spot, but if they want to start a miraculous turnaround, beating Uruguay would be a step in the right direction.
There are no major injuries to report, but Uruguay will be affected by three suspensions to three of their first choice defenders: Diego Godin, captain Lugano and Martin Cáceres.
Match Date/Time: 5 p.m. local, 5 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz, Bolivia
TV: beIN Sport 1 (U.S.)
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