We’re beginning to wrap up qualifying now. Africa and North America have finished, whilst Oceania, Asia and Europe just have play-offs left to play. That leaves South America as the only ones with regular qualifiers left to play. As I’m sure you’re aware, South American World Cup qualifying takes the form one of big hideous group of 10. This is how the table looks with 15/18 rounds of fixtures played:
The top four sides automatically qualify for the Draft World Cup finals, whilst the fifth-placed side go into the Intercontinental play-off with sides from each of the other continents – currently Ghana, Italy and Jamaica await.
So at the moment, Brazil look good to make up for last year’s blip and qualify. The next bunch of sides are viciously close, with 3 points separating 2nd from 6th. Whoever misses out from that bunch will be sorely disappointed. Below them, Ecuador could find their way back into the fight, whilst 2017 darlings Peru appear to be out of it. Meanwhile, Bolivia and Paraguay are already mathematically eliminated. Today we’re going to see how the remaining matches play out, so let’s get stuck into it!
Round 16
There’s only one place to start, and that’s the El Clasico between Argentina and Brazil. The hosts, Argentina, get off to the perfect start as Lisandro Lopez’s perfect pass releases Lautaro Acosta to slot home four minutes in, and 90 seconds later they double the lead when Lopez’s cute header goes in at the near post. Brazil’s Rodriguinho misses a penalty 10 minutes later, and that’s their best chance as the match finishes 2-0. Peru visited Colombia hoping to spark the mother of all comebacks, and led through Luis Tejada’s strong header. Unfortunately, the comeback experienced wasn’t Peru’s, as Colombia replied through two Teofilo Gutierrez strikes to win 2-1 and knock the 2017 semi-finalists out. This guaranteed Colombia a move into at least the play-off spot as the two sides above them faced each other, and Chile’s 2-0 win resulted in Uruguay (2017 DWC finalists) falling into the danger zone. Venezuela kept up the pace with a nervy 1-0 win away to Ecuador, leaving their opponents eliminated. Meanwhile, Paraguay were confirmed as the group’s bottom side as they lost 2-0 at home to Bolivia.
So at the moment, Brazil look good to make up for last year’s blip and qualify. The next bunch of sides are viciously close, with 3 points separating 2nd from 6th. Whoever misses out from that bunch will be sorely disappointed. Below them, Ecuador could find their way back into the fight, whilst 2017 darlings Peru appear to be out of it. Meanwhile, Bolivia and Paraguay are already mathematically eliminated. Today we’re going to see how the remaining matches play out, so let’s get stuck into it!
Round 16
There’s only one place to start, and that’s the El Clasico between Argentina and Brazil. The hosts, Argentina, get off to the perfect start as Lisandro Lopez’s perfect pass releases Lautaro Acosta to slot home four minutes in, and 90 seconds later they double the lead when Lopez’s cute header goes in at the near post. Brazil’s Rodriguinho misses a penalty 10 minutes later, and that’s their best chance as the match finishes 2-0. Peru visited Colombia hoping to spark the mother of all comebacks, and led through Luis Tejada’s strong header. Unfortunately, the comeback experienced wasn’t Peru’s, as Colombia replied through two Teofilo Gutierrez strikes to win 2-1 and knock the 2017 semi-finalists out. This guaranteed Colombia a move into at least the play-off spot as the two sides above them faced each other, and Chile’s 2-0 win resulted in Uruguay (2017 DWC finalists) falling into the danger zone. Venezuela kept up the pace with a nervy 1-0 win away to Ecuador, leaving their opponents eliminated. Meanwhile, Paraguay were confirmed as the group’s bottom side as they lost 2-0 at home to Bolivia.
Round 17
Brazil still maintained a lead over Argentina in the table on goal difference, and they helped that cause by thumping Paraguay 5-1, whilst Argentina could only manage a 2-0 win, away to Venezuela, with both goals coming from centre back Paolo Goltz. The sides below Venezuela largely failed to take advantage of this result. Peru denied Chile a win thanks to Tejada’s precise shot in the 88th minute to secure a 1-1 draw, whilst Colombia were held 0-0 away to Bolivia. Meanwhile, there was serious drama in Montevideo as Uruguay appeared set to move out of the elimination spaces as they led Ecuador 1-0 from the 2nd minute onwards. But in the 89th minute a free kick eventually ricocheted to Pedro Quinonez, who stuck it away to seemingly secure a draw. But that wasn’t the end of it, as in the fifth minute of injury time Ecuadorian sub David Quiroz smashed a free kick into the top corner to leave Uruguay in real trouble. These results do confirm that Brazil and Argentina have safely qualified, as expected.
Brazil still maintained a lead over Argentina in the table on goal difference, and they helped that cause by thumping Paraguay 5-1, whilst Argentina could only manage a 2-0 win, away to Venezuela, with both goals coming from centre back Paolo Goltz. The sides below Venezuela largely failed to take advantage of this result. Peru denied Chile a win thanks to Tejada’s precise shot in the 88th minute to secure a 1-1 draw, whilst Colombia were held 0-0 away to Bolivia. Meanwhile, there was serious drama in Montevideo as Uruguay appeared set to move out of the elimination spaces as they led Ecuador 1-0 from the 2nd minute onwards. But in the 89th minute a free kick eventually ricocheted to Pedro Quinonez, who stuck it away to seemingly secure a draw. But that wasn’t the end of it, as in the fifth minute of injury time Ecuadorian sub David Quiroz smashed a free kick into the top corner to leave Uruguay in real trouble. These results do confirm that Brazil and Argentina have safely qualified, as expected.
So here is the table with just one round of fixtures left to play:
It looks like Uruguay are effectively eliminated, particularly as they finish away to Argentina. Brazil travel to Bolivia looking to secure top spot, whilst Ecuador and Peru will play out a dead rubber. The remaining two matches are the ones of note. Venezuela will confirm their qualification if they beat Paraguay away from home. The big clash will come as Colombia travel to Chile, with the loser likely to end up in the Intercontinental play-off. So we’ll go through each match individually, starting with the least important ones.
Ecuador vs. Peru
It makes me sad to see Peru, the side I most enjoyed last year, limping to elimination. Particularly since they were, at one point, looking good for qualification as they sat top of the table early on. Ecuador hare flickered and threatened to challenge for a qualification spot, but they too fell away at the last. They fall behind here to Walter Ayovi’s header, before levelling through Luis Aguiar’s low shot. Ecuador were given a chance towards the end to win the match from the spot, but Barcos’ penalty was parried by Carvallo as the sides shared a 1-1 draw.
Ecuador vs. Peru
It makes me sad to see Peru, the side I most enjoyed last year, limping to elimination. Particularly since they were, at one point, looking good for qualification as they sat top of the table early on. Ecuador hare flickered and threatened to challenge for a qualification spot, but they too fell away at the last. They fall behind here to Walter Ayovi’s header, before levelling through Luis Aguiar’s low shot. Ecuador were given a chance towards the end to win the match from the spot, but Barcos’ penalty was parried by Carvallo as the sides shared a 1-1 draw.
Brazil vs. Bolivia
The ghosts of last year appeared to be preying on Brazil as they initially struggled to get going, but a great run of form saw them fly to the top of the table, and they will be relieved to secure qualification a round early. Now they can focus on securing top spot, which would be almost guaranteed by beating Bolivia. Paolo Guerro picks the pocket of Raldes to open the scoring for Brazil, but Raul Castro’s well-struck volley soon levelled matters. Brazil went ahead again through Everton Ribeiro, before Alejandro Melean got Bolivia’s second equaliser. For a third time Brazil took the lead as Diego pounced onto a loose ball, and this time it proved the winner as they held out for a surprisingly hard-earned 3-2 win.
The ghosts of last year appeared to be preying on Brazil as they initially struggled to get going, but a great run of form saw them fly to the top of the table, and they will be relieved to secure qualification a round early. Now they can focus on securing top spot, which would be almost guaranteed by beating Bolivia. Paolo Guerro picks the pocket of Raldes to open the scoring for Brazil, but Raul Castro’s well-struck volley soon levelled matters. Brazil went ahead again through Everton Ribeiro, before Alejandro Melean got Bolivia’s second equaliser. For a third time Brazil took the lead as Diego pounced onto a loose ball, and this time it proved the winner as they held out for a surprisingly hard-earned 3-2 win.
Argentina vs. Uruguay
Argentina would need a surprising 6-goal win to take top spot now, but really this match is all about Uruguay’s last throw of the dice as they try and stay in the hunt for qualification. It’ll be a shame to see the 2017 finalists bow out this way, but as Peru have already proved, the DWC has no room for sentimentality.
Argentina’s Tagliafico and Gonzalo Rodriguez are suspended, so Casco and Maidana replace them in the back line. Uruguay’s slim hopes are not helped by star striker Viatri being injured, whilst their central midfielders Grossmuller and Gonzalez are injured and suspended respectively. In come Guevgeozian, Gargano and Liguera, as they switch from their standard 4-4-2 to a wide diamond formation.
Argentina would need a surprising 6-goal win to take top spot now, but really this match is all about Uruguay’s last throw of the dice as they try and stay in the hunt for qualification. It’ll be a shame to see the 2017 finalists bow out this way, but as Peru have already proved, the DWC has no room for sentimentality.
Argentina’s Tagliafico and Gonzalo Rodriguez are suspended, so Casco and Maidana replace them in the back line. Uruguay’s slim hopes are not helped by star striker Viatri being injured, whilst their central midfielders Grossmuller and Gonzalez are injured and suspended respectively. In come Guevgeozian, Gargano and Liguera, as they switch from their standard 4-4-2 to a wide diamond formation.
Argentina kick off, and begin by passing the ball about. The ball eventually comes to Jose Luis Gomez, who takes one look and pelts the ball over Conde and into the top corner for an absolutely astonishing goal, just 44 seconds into the game. A few minutes the right back is involved again, feeding Gonzalez to shoot wide. Argentina appear to be enjoying this, but in the 13th minute Fernandez breaks towards the by-line and cuts it back for Mauro Guevgeozian to tap in. From then on the match is much more even, until an Argentinean breaks the deadlock. But it’s not one playing for Argentina – no, it’s Maxi Rodriguez who puts Uruguay ahead with a genius looping header over a stranded Campana. Maxi ends the half with a long effort which goes narrowly wide. Uruguay lead 2-1, finally showing some of their famous fighting spirit.
Argentina would like to be the ones to eliminate their rivals, and Acosta has to be denied by a good Conde block as the hosts look to get level. Acosta has a header clip the crossbar, but is forced off injured in the 56th minute. Uruguay have been poor this half, and they can’t hold onto their lead as Acosta’s replacement Gonzalo Martinez crosses for Ibarguan to roll the ball home. With little to lose, Uruguay break the emergency glass and wheel on a 37 year-old Diego Forlan. But it’s another substitute who wins the game late on, as Martinez cuts inside and unleashes a fine shot into the top corner to seal Uruguay’s elimination. In added time Martinez adds further insult to injury by hitting his cross into Polenta, forcing an own goal and a 4-2 victory for Argentina.
Paraguay vs. Venezuela
Venezuela started this qualifying campaign as the lowest-ranked South American side, but they have been very solid to get themselves into a great position. They just need to beat the hapless Paraguay to qualify for the DWC finals – an impressive achievement particularly when you consider that they have never qualified for an actual World Cup.
After 17 rounds of dirge, it’s unsurprising that Paraguay have no players in any real form. The only selection issue is whether to go with Roque Santa Cruz or Walter Gonzalez up front, and the younger player (Gonzalez) is preferred after he got his fourth goal of qualification against Brazil. Venezuela are missing the suspended Chourio, and so they bring in Falcon and shift to a 4-3-1-2 line-up, as Flores replaces Martins.
Venezuela started this qualifying campaign as the lowest-ranked South American side, but they have been very solid to get themselves into a great position. They just need to beat the hapless Paraguay to qualify for the DWC finals – an impressive achievement particularly when you consider that they have never qualified for an actual World Cup.
After 17 rounds of dirge, it’s unsurprising that Paraguay have no players in any real form. The only selection issue is whether to go with Roque Santa Cruz or Walter Gonzalez up front, and the younger player (Gonzalez) is preferred after he got his fourth goal of qualification against Brazil. Venezuela are missing the suspended Chourio, and so they bring in Falcon and shift to a 4-3-1-2 line-up, as Flores replaces Martins.
Venezuela start slightly nervously, but those nerves are settled in the 25th minute when Pena plays it to Falcon in the box, who controls it and neatly places it into the back of the net to immediately justify his inclusion in the team. However, the lead only lasts 7 minutes, when Rojas swings in a vicious cross, which is volleyed home by Ivan Torres. There are few other chances, and we reach the break even, with Venezuela still yet to confirm their progress.
Venezuela continue to struggle to create chances, although they are becoming the stronger side in the match. Both Rondon and Gonzalez hit the bar with headers, as you get the sense the next goal will decide the match. The goal finally does arrive, and it goes to Paraguay in the 75th minute as a simple corner by Torres is met by the bonce of Paulo da Silva. A minute later Falcon breaks free and rolls the ball across for Rondon, who has to score... but instead his hits his shot off the base of the post. My assertion that the third goal would be decisive proves correct as that Rondon chance is Venezuela’s last big one. They now face a nervous wait as they hope Chile can beat Colombia.
Venezuela continue to struggle to create chances, although they are becoming the stronger side in the match. Both Rondon and Gonzalez hit the bar with headers, as you get the sense the next goal will decide the match. The goal finally does arrive, and it goes to Paraguay in the 75th minute as a simple corner by Torres is met by the bonce of Paulo da Silva. A minute later Falcon breaks free and rolls the ball across for Rondon, who has to score... but instead his hits his shot off the base of the post. My assertion that the third goal would be decisive proves correct as that Rondon chance is Venezuela’s last big one. They now face a nervous wait as they hope Chile can beat Colombia.
Chile vs. Colombia
Good news for Chile, they have qualified thanks to Venezuela’s defeat! That result also means that Colombia only need a draw to qualify in fourth place, but that’s easier said than done against a Chile side which has been very impressive in the second half of the campaign.
Both sides are missing star players – Buonanotte for Chile, and Aquilar for Colombia. In come Valdivia and Cantillo into otherwise-unchanged sides.
Good news for Chile, they have qualified thanks to Venezuela’s defeat! That result also means that Colombia only need a draw to qualify in fourth place, but that’s easier said than done against a Chile side which has been very impressive in the second half of the campaign.
Both sides are missing star players – Buonanotte for Chile, and Aquilar for Colombia. In come Valdivia and Cantillo into otherwise-unchanged sides.
Eighteen minutes in, Colombia get the ball up to Gutierrez, who runs at Chile and unleashes a fine shot into the top corner from outside the box. Chile’s campaign has been defined by fluid attacking, and they level with a fine goal, where the ball is passed through the Colombian box until it reaches Paredes, who strokes it into the gaping net. Coming up to half time and Paredes turns provider, as his expertly-guided cross finds Sebastian Ubila at the far post, who finishes calmly to please Chilean fans and delight Venezuelan ones.
Colombia have done well to see off Uruguay and secure a top-5 spot, but they would kick themselves if they missed out on this chance to secure automatic qualification. Borja has a sight of goal but scuffs his shot wide, whilst Paredes’ header flies over the bar. Colombia just cannot create any good chances, and Paredes should seal the win when he runs through in the final minutes, only to be denied by a good Armani save. Regardless, Chile easily hold on to their lead, and their 2-1 victory sees Venezuela join them in the DWC finals! Colombia will have to recover from this, as they will soon be contesting the Intercontinental play-offs.
Final standings
Final standings
Top scorers: Rondon (VEN) 12 goals; Guerro (BRA) 11 goals; Tejada (PER), Paredes (CHI), Viatri (URU), Barcos (ECU), Lopez (ARG) 9 goals
Highest average ratings: Diego (BRA) 7.49; Ribeiro (BRA) 7.38; Maxi (URU) 7.37
Next time
Well, that delivered the drama we hoped for, as eighteen rounds of fixtures still boiled down to four teams scrapping to qualify. Argentina and Chile will be pleased to be returning to the DWC finals, whilst Brazil and Venezuela will hope to impress on their debuts. Meanwhile, Colombia will join Ghana, Italy and Jamaica in the Intercontinental play-off. And that’s all the regular qualifiers done with! Next time we start the play-off season as the eight European sides whose fate has yet to be determined play their first legs.
Highest average ratings: Diego (BRA) 7.49; Ribeiro (BRA) 7.38; Maxi (URU) 7.37
Next time
Well, that delivered the drama we hoped for, as eighteen rounds of fixtures still boiled down to four teams scrapping to qualify. Argentina and Chile will be pleased to be returning to the DWC finals, whilst Brazil and Venezuela will hope to impress on their debuts. Meanwhile, Colombia will join Ghana, Italy and Jamaica in the Intercontinental play-off. And that’s all the regular qualifiers done with! Next time we start the play-off season as the eight European sides whose fate has yet to be determined play their first legs.