Today, Flamengo is playing, or almost. Even if the "Most Beloved" doesn't take the field this Wednesday, at least three players will be representing the Red-Blacks in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. And this round's matches promise plenty of excitement, since, apart from Brazil, already qualified, and Bolivia and Venezuela, already eliminated, all the teams are in contention for a spot in the World Cup. 

Besides the Brazilian national team, Flamengo fans' eyes will be on two teams in particular: Peru and Colombia. In very different positions in the standings, the two countries face crucial matches for their ambitions. And with Mengão players on the field. For Peru, Guerrero and Trauco were called up by Ricardo Gareca. Meanwhile, in Colombia, midfielder Cuéllar is a starter for José Pekerman's team. 

Sitting seventh in the standings with 18 points, the match against Bolivia is crucial to maintaining their chances of qualifying. The team is coming off a 2-1 win against Uruguay, but things aren't looking good, and the team isn't in its own hands. They have to win, and they need to hope that Ecuador, Argentina, and Chile don't win their matches and don't open up a lead. The challenge will be even more difficult, as Gareca won't be able to count on top scorer Guerrero, who is suspended for a second consecutive booking. But they will have left-back Miguel Trauco on the field. The next round will be against Ecuador, away from home, a head-to-head match for the spot. Guerrero should be back. There's a chance, there's hope, and the red-and-black fans will be behind the Peruvians. 

Colombia's national team will also have the faith of the Mais Querido fans on its side, with midfielder Gustavo Cuéllar in the starting lineup for the match against Venezuela in San Cristóbal. And it shouldn't be a major problem for the Colombians. Their rivals are in last place, already eliminated, and even if they want to play hard, they shouldn't offer much resistance. Colombia also doesn't have much reason to worry. With a spectacular campaign, the team is in second place, and only a tragedy could keep Cuéllar out of the World Cup in Russia. 

Colombia plays earlier, at 18 p.m., with coverage on Sportv. Peru doesn't take the field until much later, at 23:15 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on Sportv 2 (both, Brasília time). You can get a taste of Flamengo on this Wednesday night.