World Cup 2022 CONBEMOL hopefuls Peru, Paraguay, Colombia, Uruguay, and Ecuador are still trying to claw their way into the top four looking to join table leaders Brazil and Argentina for next year’s festivities.
Their World Cup 2022 odds of qualifying have increased for a bit following their decent World Cup 2022 results in matchday 11.
Paraguay raised eyebrows when they held Argentina to a draw while Uruguay and Colombia shared the spoils. On the other hand, Ecuador and Peru have compiled three points each after some solid performances.
Without further ado, let’s review yesterday’s set of fixtures.
Paraguay 0-0 Argentina
Yesterday marked the first time that Argentina failed to score since June 2019, although they remain flawless in 23 straight matches under Lionel Scaloni.
La Albiceleste almost took home the three points despite missing Lautaro Martinez in attack while Lionel Messi didn’t have much impact especially in the first half.
Argentina had the better of the opening exchanges but Paraguay slowly built momentum in the second half as they tested Emiliano Martinez at goal a couple of times.
However, when Lionel Scaloni made changes into his lineup late in the second half, the game opened up for Argentina but they weren’t as efficient as they would’ve preferred.
One of their missed chances came when substitute Alejandro Gomez tested Antony Silva with 12 minutes remaining. Carlos Gonzalez tried to counter for Paraguay three minutes from time, but his shot was off.
Paraguay stayed at sixth despite sharing the spoils and they must win all of their remaining games while hoping that the teams above them lose in theirs.
Uruguay 0-0 Colombia
In the preview of this match here at SBOTOP, we tipped Uruguay to win but we will give kudos to Colombia’s defence for stepping up.
La Celeste almost took the lead inside 12 minutes when a cross sailed over the Colombian backline to find Luis Suarez. However, the Atletico Madrid striker fired the ball too wide.
When Uruguay cooled off after 25 minutes, Colombia got more control over the game. But the visitors couldn’t find a goal for the remainder of the first half.
Los Cafeteros did a great job in marking Edinson Cavani and Darwin Nunez when they were subbed in, and they got their biggest chance came at the 70th minute when Duvan Zapata was left open inside the box – only to see him miss the mark with a weak attempt.
By securing one point, Colombia stayed in fifth place. However, they’ll face a daunting task when they take on Brazil.
Uruguay don’t have much luck either as they’ll have Argentina on the menu next.
Venezuela 1-3 Brazil
Brazil rallied back from being a goal down in their latest win over Venezuela to maintain their 100-per cent record in the CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Neymar was absent in this contest while Gabriel Jesus started for the first time since getting a red card in the Copa America quarter-final versus Chile.
Venezuela had their hopes high when Eric Ramirez found the back of the net inside 11 minutes, especially since they’ve never beaten Brazil in a qualifier for the last 17 attempts.
The Samba Boys looked down and out but everything changed when Marquinhos levelled with a header at the 71st minute before Gabriel Barbosa scored a penalty and Antony added one for good measure during stoppage time.
With the victory, Brazil extended their table lead to eight points while Venezuela remain at the cellar with only four points.
Ecuador 3-0 Bolivia
It only took 19 minutes for Ecuador to thrash Bolivia 3-0 last night at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha.
Michael Estrada put the hosts ahead with a header in the 14th minute, and it was followed up by two quickfire goals from skipper Enner Valencia to confirm the victory.
Gustavo Alfaro’s men simply outclassed the Bolivians as they controlled 68-per cent possession while having 17 total shots compared to only four by the visitors.
Although they’re level with Uruguay at 16 points, Ecuador’s goal difference is enough to put them at the third spot and they’ll face Venezuela next.
Peru 2-0 Chile
Peru got a much-needed victory over Chile to keep their flickering hopes alive for Qatar 2022.
Christian Cueva gave the hosts the lead when he found the back of the net at the 35th minute, and Sergio Pena sealed the deal with a score of his own after the hour mark.
Ricardo Gareca’s men have now won three of their last five and they’ll look to build a new winning streak after this game.
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