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Colombia might end this Friday as the first team to qualify to the quarterfinals of Copa América. For this to happen, they must beat Bolivia at the Nacional stadium, in Lima, scheduled for 5:30 pm, local time.
Coach Reinaldo Rueda¿s team will take to the field in full force. Keeper Henao and defender Gonzales, who were exhausted after the win against Venezuela in their opening match, have already recovered and are fit to play, although Rueda said he will wait until ¿the very last minute¿ to confirm his starting lineup.
Colombians are afraid of having to face true ¿hell¿ in the last fixture in Group A, when they take on Peru, in Trujillo. The hosts might be in desperate need of a win in the last match, and Rueda believes this situation could harm his side immensely. Therefore, the manager is determined to secure qualification in anticipation. He states that he respects the Bolivians, who left a fine impression in the clash against Peru.
Bolivian coach Ramiro Blacut stated that his side need a more winning mentality in order to be one of the eight best teams in the Copa América. After opening a 2-nil lead against Peru, the team succumbed to the pressure of the hosts and allowed them to draw level.
Despite his dissatisfaction with his men, Blacut will field the same first-choice players that played in the opening match. His only doubt is midfielder Limbert Pizarro, injured in the ankle, who trained normally and is confirmed.
Colombia: Juan Carlos Henao - Gonzalo Martínez, Andrés Gonzalez, Andrés Orozco, Gustavo Victoria - Abel Aguilar, Jhon Viáfara, Jairo Patiño, David Ferreira - Tressor Moreno and Sergio Herrera. Coach: Reinaldo Rueda.
Bolivia: Leonardo Fernandez - Sergio Jaúregui, Ronald Arana, Ronald Raldes, Lorgio Alvarez - Luis Cristaldo, Limbert Pizarro, Rubén Tufiño, Limberg Gutiérrez - Miguel Mercado and Joaquín Botero. Coach: Ramiro Blacut.
Venue: Estádio Nacional, in Lima (PER)
Referee: Pedro Ramos (Ecuador)
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