CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers Roundup: Uruguay qualifies, comfortable wins for Brazil and Argentina

The qualification race in CONMEBOL for the 2022 FIFA World Cup has entered into the penultimate stage of the competition. Ten CONMEBOL countries have battled out each other to represent the South American banner at the biggest stage of international football.

Four teams have booked their spot for the Qatar saga while three sides got into the competition to grab a second chance of qualification through inter-confederation play-offs. So let’s have a roundup glance at the Match Day 17 of CONMEBOL division qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Colombia vs Bolivia

“The Dancing Duo”

Liverpool’s starlet Luiz Díaz scored a heroic goal to award Colombia a leading edge in the 39th minute of the gameplay. A long-ranger strike from the 25-year-old dashing winger made global headlines as it was the end of Colombia’s goal drought which lasted around 196 days. 

Díaz then went on to set up a congenial chance for substitute Miguel Borja who just had to attempt a tap-in header to himself on the scoresheet. The third and final goal of the match came from a rebound header from the Porto midfielder Mateus Uribe which concluded the battle on a 3-0 scoreline.

In the presence of elites like Juan Cuadrado, James Rodriguez and captain David Ospina, Los Cafeteros outclassed the opponents with devastating statistics. Reinaldo Rueda’s boys dominated the Bolivian outfield having a ball of possession of 76% throughout the game. On the other hand, the Bolivian attacking unit only attempted two shots and none of them was on the target. Where Colombia released an astonishing number of 650+ passes, Bolivia could release just 216 throughout the gameplay.

Paraguay vs Ecuador

A couple of early errors from the Ecuadorian defense helped Paraguay striker Robert Morales to open the scoreline on the 9th minute of the clock. When Ecuador players were about to wrap up the first half action, an unbelievable own goal from defender Piero Hincapié stunned the visiting fans at Estadio Metropolitano. After receiving immense pressure from the opponent player, Hincapié intended a backpass to the Ecuadorian goalkeeper although the gloveman couldn’t stop the ball from going to his own net.

Paraguay kick-started the second half with a dragged strike from Miguel Almirón in the 54th minute that enlarged their lead over the Vultures. Ecuador managed to get back a consolation goal through penalty advantage but it was too late for the lads to buck up. A double yellow card ruled out Blas Riveros from the pitch when just two minutes were remaining for the final whistle and it also meant that the full-back would miss Paraguay’s upcoming qualifier game. 

Brazil vs Chile

Brazil thrashed the familiar foes Chile who are on verge of missing out on the FIFA World Cup qualification for the second time in a row. The combat between two South American rivals began in a neck to neck competition where Brazilian invaders found themselves unable to find the back of the net.

Then a reliving penalty conversion from Neymar Junior came just right before the completion of 45 minutes. Although Brazil went on to score another goal before the half-time whistle and this time it was Vinicius Junior who registered his debut international goal against La Roja. Selecao were awarded another penalty kick but it was Coutinho who took the advantage kick and converted it from the spot. Everton forward Richarlison’s marvellous blitz from the distance was enough to cease three points for CONMEBOL table-toppers. 

Uruguay vs Perú

That moment when Giorgian de Arrascaeta lashed out World Cup dream of Peruvians

Uruguayan gaffer Diego Alonso has been rotating Darwin Núñez and Edinson Cavani as partners for the striker Luis Suarez. Cavani found himself on the bench as the Benfica youngster got the nod although El Matador’s absence was quite visible. Uruguay somehow managed to edge past the Peru side with the help of Georgian de Arrascaeta’s 42nd-minute goal.

Peru tried their level-best to daunt the Uruguayan side but missed the golden chance to overtake the Sky Blues and march towards a Top 4 finish. Uruguay faced a tough fightback from La Blanquirroja in every aspect of the game but a solitary goal kept them in the leading position till the end. This vital win has ensured Uruguay’s participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar while Peru will have to go through the inter-confederation playoffs if they manage to stay in the fifth position. 

Argentina vs Venezuela

The giant Argentine side has crushed the recoup of last-placed Venezuela in a 3-0 one-sided saga. Nicolás González who was started ahead of the likes of di Maria, Correa and Ocampos reimbursed the faith of gaffer Lionel Scaloni by scoring the opening goal of the match.

After a stretched period of revolt, veteran Angel di Maria brought back his side on the scoresheet once again. The 34-year-old icon gave a memorable cameo appearance as he also went on to assist his PSG teammate Lionel Messi through a magical pass just three minutes later.

Venezuela will be up against the Colombian side in the upcoming qualifier battle and even a win in that fixture won’t be able to save La Vinotinto from a bottom finish. Scaloni’s ‘Mission Qatar’ project is underway and the preparation phase for an ultimate showdown is going smoothly.