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Merlin
3rd July 2007, 11:54
DATE: 3rd July 2007
TIME 18.35 Local Time:
TEAMS: Peru v Bolivia
VENUE: Estadio Metropolitano de Mérida, Mérida Venezuela.
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Peru
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To be certain of getting out of the group, the Inca need to win this. A draw may suffice theoretically, but they wouldn’t want to be playing with fire – leaving destiny to the abstract.

The Peruvians played admirably in their Copa opener when they beat the Uruguayans, and indeed they began well in their last game against the hosts. However, serendipity called in the 14th minute and Pedro Garcia was sent off. It may have been a yellow, but for the histrionics of Maldonado, this altered the course off the game dramatically – and the Inca were beaten 2-0.

They will know what is required, and a win will be top of mind.

Inca possibles:
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[1] BUTRÓN Leao .)
[3] ACASIETE Santiago
[2] VILLALTA Miguel Ángel
[5] RODRÍGUEZ Alberto
[22] GALLIQUIO John
[10] MARIÑO Juan Carlos
[8] BAZALAR Juan Carlos
[17] FARFÁN Jefferson
[4] VÍLCHEZ Wálter
[9] GUERRERO Paolo
[14] PIZARRO Claudio


Bolivia
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Arguably the weakest team in the group, although they won this Cup in 1963, notwithstanding have qualified for 3 World Cups, too.

The Bolivians drew their opener with Venezuela, but lost their latest game 0-1 to Uruguay. This leaves them precariously needing a win, with certain quarter-final qualification down to prayer.

The game against the Uruguayans was scrappy with few chances, although to be fair the Bolivians played intermittent neat footy in midfield, but were completely ineffective in the final third.

On current evidence it is going to be difficult for the Bolivians to get anything from this game.

Bolivian possibles:
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[12] GALARZA Sergio
[14] HOYOS Miguel
[16] RALDES Ronald
[2] PEÑA Juan Manuel
[4] ÁLVAREZ Lorgio
[5] REYES Leonel Alfredo
[6] GARCÍA Ronald
[8] MOJICA Gualberto
[10] VACA Joselito
[17] ARCE Juan Carlos
[9] MORENO Jaime


Analysis
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To my mind, on balance, the Peruvians hold the aces. Not least if they revert to the freer philosophy of their opening game. Its really worth discounting their match against the Venezuelans as that game had mild semblance to a circus.

The Bolivians are a poor national outfit, moreover, are not good travelers, and they will do well to hold a Peruvian team who must win.

Lets look quickly at the head-to-head:

Total games = 35
Peru = 17 wins
Bolivia = 11 wins
Draws = 7

It is worth noting 7 of the Bolivian wins were achieved in Bolivia. When outside either territory they have managed only 1 draw, no-wins and have suffered 6 Inca defeats.

I just cant evisage a Bolivian victory, neither can I imagine them holding the Peruvians. The 1.83 with Pinnacle for the Inca maybe a spot of value (they are as low as 1.67).

Prediction
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Inca men with Indian dash
Bolivian boys they will trash
To much speed up-front I say
Panache and craft will display.

A first-half lead is ours to play
A nice increase in betting pay-day
If your weary and in doubt
Go for the straight, it is the shout.

Bet
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Take Peru @ 1.83 with Pinnacle
6 POINTS