Colombia aims to seal World Cup berth against Bolivia

BARRANQUILLA, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo said Wednesday his team has a duty to deliver World Cup qualification to its fans with victory over Bolivia in Barranquilla.

A win in the penultimate round of South American qualifiers on Thursday would guarantee Colombia a place at next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Bolivia needs a victory to keep its qualification hopes alive.

"Bolivia is very organized, and I don't think they'll back down," Lorenzo told reporters. "This is a game that could open an important door for us, and we have a responsibility because we're playing at home."

The Argentine coach stressed the need for the Cafeteros to control their nerves as they seek to atone for the disappointment of missing a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"You have to manage your emotions, especially anxiety in these cases," he said. "But we have a mature squad, players who have experience in finals and decisive matches."

Lorenzo added that the team could ill-afford to be complacent against a Bolivia side aiming to qualify for football's main event for the first time since 1994.

"We've had a tough time against some teams that we were expected to beat easily," Lorenzo said. "You can never take anything for granted."

More Argentina News

Access More

Sign up for Argentina News

a daily newsletter full of things to discuss over drinks.and the great thing is that it's on the house!