SOUTH AMERICAN ROUND UP
I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. Here is a brief recap of whats been going on in South America.
Brazil beat Argentina 3-1 in World Cup Qualifying on Saturday to book a ticket to the World Cup. Brazil put on an impressive defensive display that thoroughly frustrated the Argentinians. Messi was impressive but couldn’t break through the backline. Brazil had limited chances but punished Argentina with every opportunity. Defender Luisao opened the scoring before Luis Fabiano doubled it before the half. Datolo got one back for Argentina off a 20 yard bomb but Luis Fabiano regained the 2 goal advantage for Brazil just two minutes later.
It was a make or break game for Argentina as it was likely to see them drop out of the top 4 with the loss. Luckily the soccer gods smiled on Argentina and they fell no further than 4th place after Colombia beat Ecuador 2-0. Ecuador would have ended up in 4th place had they walked away with a victory in Colombia.
Uruguay’s loss to last place Peru and Venezuela drawing Chile leaves only 5 points between 4th place Argentina and 8th place Venezuela. With only 3 games left, there are at least 5 teams playing for the last automatic spot (4th place spot, Argentina) and the playoff spot (5th currently held by Colombia). Bolivia still has a chance to get the playoff spot but its a long shot.
Here is the table right now:
Brazil 30 pts Qualified
Chile 27 pts
Paraguay 27 pts
Argentina 22 pts
Colombia 20 pts (playoff spot, plays 4th place CONCACAF team)
Ecuador 20 pts
Uruguay 18 pts
Venezuela 18 pts
Bolivia 12 pts
Peru 10 pts
Wednesday’s matches will be crucial in South America. Argentina will visit Paraguay in an almost must win game. Paraguay will qualify with a victory over Argentina. If Argentina loses and both Colombia and Ecuador win, Argentina will drop to sixth. Chile will also be playing for qualification against Brazil. Brazil, already qualified for the World Cup, might rest their stars for this match.
Argentina is still in control of their destiny but they can’t afford anymore mistakes. That is the nature of South American qualifiers. Typically one team will dominate, such as Brazil this year or Argentina in previous years, but the rest of the teams battle it out until the last day. If you have the opportunity to catch any games on Wednesday don’t pass it up, it should be very exciting.