Colombia began the South American World Cup qualifiers as a favourite for one of many area’s 4 direct spots in Qatar, whereas underdog Ecuador was anticipated to fail beneath coach Gustavo Alfaro.
Tuesday’s spherical ended with the Colombians in want of miracle after dropping 1-0 at Argentina, and the Ecuadorians secured fifth place at the very least by tying with Peru 1-1, placing Ecuador in a world playoff towards an Asian crew.
A win would have put Ecuador in third place within the area and going to Qatar, however that appears to be solely delayed to the top of March, when the 2 remaining rounds will happen.
Brazil (39 factors) and Argentina (35) have already certified. Ecuador has 25 factors, three forward of Uruguay. Peru is now at 21 factors in fifth place, with Chile one level behind. Colombia has 17.
Bolivia (15), Paraguay (13) and Venezuela (10) haven’t any likelihood of qualifying.
Martinez scores for Argentina
Lautaro Martinez scored the one purpose of the match in Cordoba within the twenty ninth minute after he was left alone within the penalty field by two Colombia defenders. Goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made a number of vital saves, together with three pictures by veteran ngel di Maria.
Argentina didn’t depend on celebrity Lionel Messi, who continues to be recovering from Covid-19.
Colombia’s final rivals are much less harmful: Bolivia at house and Venezuela away. Coach Reinaldo Rueda’s crew should win each, overtake Chile and one different between Uruguay and Peru in an effort to get to Qatar. Colombia has not scored within the newest seven matches of qualifying.
“This is not over, we want to go at it until the end,” Rueda stated in a information convention.
“Maybe we’d like extra readability within the midfield and likewise in our ending. We miss that vitality.”
Argentina managed to get the perfect alternatives regardless of lacking a number of defenders plus Messi and midfielders Rodrigo de Paul and Leandro Paredes.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez stated the consequence proves Argentina has “more than 11 players.” “This is to the credit score of a crew, the absences weren’t famous. This crew is getting stronger and stronger,” he stated.
Peru vs Ecuador
It took Ecuador solely two minutes to begin dreaming of its return to the World Cup, when Michael Estrada calmly put it behind the web after an extended cross from a defender.
Peru struggled to dam the Ecuadorians, however pulled even within the 69th minute with a header by Edison Flores — and the backing of the gang. The draw places coach Ricardo Gareca’s crew in aggressive place for fifth place, with two factors forward of Chile and 4 forward of Colombia.
Ecuador’s remaining challenges in qualifiers will likely be at Paraguay after which internet hosting Argentina. Peru will journey to Uruguay, after which tackle Paraguay at house.
Brazil thrash Paraguay
Also on Tuesday, chief Brazil thrashed Paraguay 4-0 at house with objectives scored by Raphinha, Philippe Coutinho, Antony and Rodrygo. Coach Tite didn’t depend on an injured Neymar taking part in, and likewise used the sport to check out different gamers like Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni did.
Uruguay hammer Venezuela
Uruguay gave new coach Diego Alonso his second consecutive win on the job — a 4-1 hammering of Venezuela. Rodrigo Betancur, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez all scored for Uruguay. Venezuela’s solely purpose was from Josef Martinez.
Uruguay might safe its World Cup spot with a house win towards Peru within the subsequent spherical.
Chile beat Bolivia
Also, Chile beat Bolivia 3-2 within the altitude of La Paz thanks to 2 objectives by Alexis Sánchez and one other by Marcelino Núñez. The consequence stored the Chileans in rivalry in sixth place with 19 factors and almost ended the possibilities of the hosts, who stay with 15 factors.
The Bolivian objectives got here from Marc Enoumba and Marcelo Martins.
“This was a reward to our efforts, but it doesn’t finish here,” Chile striker Sánchez stated.
Chile’s remaining challenges will likely be at Brazil and residential towards Uruguay.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
