CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers Roundup: Peru advances to the next round, Colombia and Chile eliminated
The qualification round of the CONMEBOL division for the 2022 FIFA World Cup has successfully come to an end. A rollercoaster ride of high-intensity football where South American giants battled out each other to book a place in the World Championship.
Every participating nation played each other twice except Brazil and Argentina who are yet to face each other a second time as their scheduled encounter was suspended due to violation of COVID quarantine rules. The clash will be replayed between two arch-rivals as per FIFA allocation.
Four teams including Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Uruguay have directly qualified for the Qatar football fest as a reward for finishing in the Top 4. While fifth-placed Peru has advanced to the inter-confederation play-off round. Colombia and Chile missed out shortly from qualification as quite a major upset in South American football.
Peru vs Paraguay
A 2-0 victory over the Paraguayan side has ensured that The Red and Whites have outclassed the competitors to grab the tickets to inter-confederation play-offs. A quick counterattack early at the clock from Paraguay concluded with a cosy finish from the striker Gianluca Lapadula.
While the second goal of the match came in the 42nd minute just a few minutes before the halftime whistle. When a cross within the box reached Yashimar Yotun who was standing on the dead-end struck an acrobatic kick to double the lead.
That two-goal lead was then carried out till the full-time whistle Paraguayan attack briefly surrendered. Paraguay made 11 shots throughout the clash but unfortunately could keep only a single one on target.
They dominated the opponents in possession and passes tally but suffered from the defeat as being unable to find the breakthrough. The 31-year-old Peruvian versatile midfielder who scored the second goal of the night was a blazing fire on the pitch.
Ecuador vs Argentina
Julián Álvarez brings up his debut International goal in style
The diligent forces of Ecuador held the Argentine invaders for a 1-1 settlement at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil. It was a nail-biting thriller where both combatants showcased equal efforts to emerge victoriously. Against all odds, the Ecuadorian side left no stone unturned to match the Argentine giants in a neck to neck battle.
An upcoming Manchester City starlet, Julián Álvarez got himself on the scoresheet with his debut goal in Argentina colours on the senior international stage. It was the only goal from the level pegging action of the first 90 minutes of gameplay which was followed by a stunning climax.
Enner Valencia’s injury-time penalty kick was saved by the stopper Gerónimo Rulli on the first occasion but the Ecuadorian captain anticipated it on the rebound which stunned the home spectators.
Venezuela vs Colombia
Colombia got away from a tough battle against last-placed Venezuela in an away fixture owing to James Rodriguez’s penalty goal. During the first-half stoppage time, Rafael Santos Borré intended to anticipate a long pass of Rodriguez but his attempt was intervened by a Venezuelan defender through an invalid challenge in the box. The referee took the assistance of VAR technology to pass the judgement in favour of Colombia, rewarding a penalty which was eventually converted by Rodriguez from the spot.
The Napoli stalwart David Ospina stood up for his nation denying Venezuela’s every attempt and also bagged a clean sheet consisting of six saves. Despite the win, Colombia fell short of the qualification scenario as Peru advanced to the next stage having a single point lead over Los Cafeteros. The Quarterfinalists of the 2014 World Cup are going to miss the extravaganza of the Qatar edition.
Chile vs Uruguay
Suarez’s goal earned him the crown of the highest scorer of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers
Uruguay emerged victorious and put an end to the Chilean revolt in the battle between two South American heavyweights. Uruguayan gaffer Diego Alonso came up with a different formation in this dead-rubber encounter to check the other dimensions of his roster. Instead of forming a Cavani-Suarez duo, Alonso replaced the veteran with the latter one and also changed the 4-3-3 formation to 4-2-3-1.
The encounter was goalless before entering into the final 15 minutes as the intensity level between these two was sky-high. Then the legendary striker Luis Suarez broke the deadlock in the 79th minute followed by a long-range stunner from Real Madrid star Federico Valverde.
Fede garnered wide praise for his overall performance on the pitch where he excelled in offense and defense as well. On the other hand, the two-time Continental champions Chile finishes seventh among ten competitors hence missing out on World Cup qualification consecutive times.
Bolivia vs Brazil
Whole Brazilian side jamming up on Richarlison’s vibes
The Bolivian crowd witnessed the last dance of many Brazilian elites in Yellow colours before an indefinite break from international football. Gaffer Tite kept the stars like Neymar Jr, Vinicius Jr, and Casemiro out of action in order to test the bench strength of Brazil. Although the Samba Boys still went on to conquer the Bolivian side outplaying the counterparts in every department.
Midfielders Lucas Paquetá (24′) and Bruno Guimarães (66′) placed themselves on the scoresheet bagging one each goal. While Everton striker Richarlison claimed a memorable brace, scoring in the final minutes of both halves.
He was handed over the scoring responsibilities of his nation in the absence of other big names and the 24-year-old carried it out beautifully. Brazil remains in the pole position of the Qualifiers points table with six points clear of second-placed Argentina and also has one game left against the same opponent.