Colombia and Ecuador will compete for a spot in the World Cup finals next summer in Brazil when the two nations face off on Friday.
Los Cafeteros currently sit in second place in the CONMEBOL standings with 23 points. Ecuador trails them by two with 21. The top four teams in the group book spots in the World Cup finals, while the fifth place team must take on the AFC's fifth place side for a chance at the World Cup finals next summer.
Colombia can assure itself of at least clinching the fifth place playoff spot with a victory over Ecuadoron Friday. However, a win coupled with a Uruguayan loss or draw in that nation's match would give the Colombians an automatic spot in the World Cup next summer.
Ecuador cannot clinch a top four finish with a win on Friday, but it could inch closer to the spot with a win.
The interesting aspect of this match is that neither club can drop out of the top four on Friday regardless of the result. Fifth place Uruguay trail currently Ecuador by five points and Colombia by seven. Even if Colombia lost its next two games, the team would remain among the top four heading into the final two rounds of qualifiers in October.
Ecuador desperately needs the win as a pair of losses coupled with wins from either Venezuela, Chile, or Uruguay could potentially push them out of the top five.
Prediction: Colombia lost to Ecuador in its first qualifier, but has been rock solid at home of late. Despite drawing and losing in its first two qualifiers in Colombia, Los Cafeteros have won four straight at the Roberto Melendez in Barranquilla. Expect a 1-0 Colombia win on Friday.
Start Time: 4:30 p.m. EST
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