Colombia is set to continue their flying start in the World Cup against Uruguay in the knockout stages having already booked their place in the knockout stages by emerging with maximum points from their group, Colombia coach Pékerman had the luxury of being able to rest several of his team's stars in their final group game against Japan. They still managed to win 4-1. Their regular first-teamers are likely to return to the fold here with no injury or suspension concerns, though Jackson Martínez could replace the so-far unimpressive Teófilo Gutiérrez up top.
The big news for Uruguay, meanwhile, is the absence of their striker Luis Suárez, who has been handed a nine-game and four-month ban from football for gnawing on the shoulder of Giorgio Chiellini in the Celeste's dramatic group stage win over Italy . The vastly inferior Diego Forlán will likely come into his position up top, though Tabárez isn't likely to make any changes elsewhere.
Colombia is fresh out from thrashing Japan 4-1 from their final game and would sure build upon such win and face this game squarely. Le Celeste’s has been bridled with controversy of recent after the Suarez biting incident and such news in one way or the other has a way of affecting any teams spirit. The game is actually expected to be balanced but I feel that that Uruguay without Luis Suárez is somewhat disadvantaged.
Verdict: Colombia to win
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