The South American marathon FIFA World Cup qualifiers continued on Friday night with Messi-less Argentina winning 1-0 in Uruguay. In the abs
The South American marathon FIFA World Cup qualifiers continued on Friday night with Messi-less Argentina winning 1-0 in Uruguay. In the absence of Lionel Messi, Chelsea’s midfielder Enzo Fernandes was made to occupy the number 10 role, with Thiago Almada and Giovani Simeone serving as the playmakers to sole striker Julian Alvarez. Almada’s second-half strike made the difference. Life after Messi is the ultimate goal for Argentina’s head coach, Lionel, as the 37-year-old is nearing the end of Argentina’s journey.
Brazil secured a wonderful 2-1 win over Colombia via Vinicius Jr.’s late strike. Raphinha’s 6th-minute penalty was cancelled by Luis Diaz’s 41st-minute strike. When Colombia thought they were running away with a point, Vinicius Jr. scored in the 99th minute to help Brazil beat Colombia.
Goold old Enner Valencia’s brace helped Ecuador win 2-1 against Venezuela. The former West Ham United striker scored in either half with substitute Jhonder Cadiz scoring the consolation in the 91st minute for Venezuela.
Peru won 3-1 at home to Bolivia. Andy Poro and the veteran striker Paolo Guerrero’s first-half goals gave Peru a comfortable 2-0 lead over Bolivia. Miguelito in the 58th minute pulled one back for Bolivia through a penalty kick. Edison Flores’ late strike ensur3ed Peru all three points.
Paraguay through Omar Aderete’s 60th minute goal recorded a slim 1-0 win over Chile.
How the standings look
After 13 games played, Argentina the leaders are 6 points above second place Ecuador after winning 28 points. Brazil are third with 21, Uruguay who led earlier on in the qualifiers has now retrogressed to 4th trailing the leaders with 8 points. Paraguay has moved to 5th followed by Colombia and Bolivia who occupies the final slots.
The continent still has 5 matches to end the campaign with round 14 set to kick off on Tuesday.
Round 14 fixtures
Bolivia v Uruguay
Argentina V Brazil
Chile v Ecuador
Colombia v Paraguay
Venezuela v Peru
* Bolivia v Uruguay will be played on 25th March, the rest will be played on the 26th.
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