World Cup qualifying in CONMEBOL rolls into Friday with the continent's top team, Brazil, taking on heavy underdog Bolivia in Sao Paulo. It's the first round of action after teams like Argentina and Uruguay won their openers on Thursday. Brazil are expected to quality for the 2022 World Cup without much trouble during this cycle, while Bolivia haven't been to a World Cup since 1994.
Here's how you can watch the match and what to know:
Viewing information
Date: Friday, Oct. 9 | Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Neo Química Arena -- São Paulo, Brazil
TV: None | Live stream: Fanatiz USA (pay-per-view)
Odds: Brazil -4000; Draw +1100, Bolivia +4000 (via William Hill Sportsbook)
Storylines
Brazil: All eyes will be on whether Neymar plays as he's been dealing with some back issues, but let's be honest here -- without him, Brazil should still roll. In their last meeting at the Copa America, Brazil won 3-0 in a game that was scoreless at the break. Expect them to dominate the ball, have a lot of chances early and to have this one over by the hour mark.
Bolivia: Keep an eye on midfielder Antonio Bustamante. The Club Blooming midfielder is an interesting and talented player with strong ties to the United States. He was actually born in Virginia, played college soccer at William & Mary and was with D.C. United on a homegrown contract. He played for the MLS club in the U.S. Open Cup, was loaned to Loudoun United and then joined the Bolivian first division. He's previously played for the Bolivia U-23 team.
Prediction
Neymar gets the start but he's not needed. Brazil dominate with Richarlison and Everton Cebolinha scoring. Pick: Brazil 4, Bolivia 0
