Just like in other continents of the world, the race to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup tournament is on in South America. Unlike other continents, however, all the teams play the CONMEBOL qualifiers in a league format, with the top four sides gaining a qualification.
With only two of the 18 rounds played, there’s plenty of drama ahead in this qualifying series. And while fans have to wait till March 2021 for the Argentina – Brazil clash, there are other games to be played this weekend. In fact, two rounds, featuring 10 games, will be played this international break.
If you’re looking to put your money where your mouth is for these CONMEBOL qualifiers, here are some trends to look out for:
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Brazil’s Goal-scoring Prowess
The Samba Boys have made light work of all their opponents so far. It’s no wonder they have scored nine goals in just two games played. Although they have conceded just twice, they still maintain their 100-percent start to the qualifying series.
Up next for them is a Venezuelan side that’s yet to score a goal so far while conceding four in two games.
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The Top Strikers
In the last round of games, Neymar Jr.’s hat-trick saw him surpass Ronaldo to become Brazil’s second-highest goalscorer. With those goals, he jumped to the top of the scorer’s chart. And he’s a potential scorer for Brazil in their next two games in this international break.
Another name to look out for in the last set of CONMEBOL qualifiers is Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has converted three penalty kicks for his country so far. Andre Carrillo of Peru is another player that has scored a hat-trick of goals in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. The 29-year old is the only player topping the scorer’s chart with all his goals scored from open play.
Click here to predict and win.
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Scorers and ‘Conceders’
Well, we just coined the word Conceders. It’s word we use to describe the sides that have scored and conceded in both games played so far.
And one of such sides is Uruguay. In both games played so far, at least three goals have been scored, with both sides finding the back of the net. This trend has also been the same in the games played by Peru. Their 2-4 loss to Brazil was preceded by a 2-2 draw against Paraguay.
Click here to predict and win.
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The Unbeaten Ones
Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay are the three sides, just like Brazil, yet to taste defeat in their campaign so far. Only the Argentines and the Brazilians have won all their games. Of these four sides, Lionel Messi’s Argentina have let in only one goal, the best any side has managed this campaign.
It’s the last international break of the year, featuring the last round of CONMEBOL qualifiers for the year also. Which of these sides are you banking on to have a winning ticket? Drop your comments below.
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