World Cup Qualifying: is CONMEBOL all but sorted?

Friday saw four games played out in South America, and absolutely no surprises in CONMEBOL qualifying. There’s been no shift in the table, and in each match, the higher placed country came away with the win. Now, with three games maximum left to play for each country, many observers believe the top teams are etched in stone. But with difficult matches ahead for many of the teams, it’s still possible that a surprise contender could sneak in, at least into the playoff round.

Who’s Out?

Bolivia. Bolivia lost 4-0 to Paraguay on Friday night, are out of the running, with just 10 points from 14 games played.

Paraguay. Despite Paraguay demonstrating their impressive goal scoring abilities against Bolivia, they’re pretty much out of the running as well. Sure, they could pick up three wins from their last three matches, but they’d also have to rely upon Uruguay not picking up another point. And then they’d still end up in the playoff round facing the fifth placed AFC team.

Who’s In?

No one has yet to mathematically clinch a spot at the World Cup, but three countries are assured of at least making the playoff round (Which, you’d think, would mean that at least two of those countries would be into the tournament. But that sort of thinking can cause the head to hurt).

Argentina. La albiceleste got a rest this weekend, but still managed to remain top of the CONMEBOL table, with 26 points. They’re set to face Paraguay on Tuesday and will most likely have no problems taking all three points.

Colombia. The most fun team in South America, and possibly the world, is now even on points with Argentina. A 1-0 victory over 10 man Ecuador gives the Colombians a 8-2-3 record and 26 points. Their free flowing attack is balanced by a solid defense, which has conceded just seven goals in 13 games, the best in CONMEBOL.

Chile. Chile are an interesting one, currently coming in third in South America despite their all-or-nothing attitude. That’s right, la roja have played 14 matches and have yet to record a draw. Still, they’re on 24 points and will at least make the playoff round, so little Jorge Sampaoli must be doing something right.

Who’s Got a Chance? 

Ecuador. Ecuador made qualification that much more difficult for themselves on Friday night, when Gabriel Corozo got himself sent off in the 28th minute. But they’ve still got 21 points from 13 matches, so really, finishing third isn’t out of the question. But with Uruguay and Chile left to face in their last three games, Ecuador will have a tough time staying above fifth place.

Uruguay. Remember how Uruguay made it to the semi-finals of the last World Cup? And then won Copa América the next year? Then came this team, aging, creaking at the joints, and only able to finish fourth in the Confederations Cup. La Celeste have managed some impressive wins during their qualification campaign, but have also recorded some devestating losses. To avoid the playoff, Uruguay need to get three more points than Ecuador, which is tough when the two face each other, with Uruguay also needing to play Argentina and Chile.

Venezuela. Venezuela had a tough time of it on Friday, losing 3-0 to Chile. But they’re only three points back of Uruguay and have just Peru and Paraguay left to face. With Uruguay’s remaining matches looking quite difficult, it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility that La Vinotinto could slip into the fifth spot and head to the playoffs.

Peru. Ok, things look bad for Peru. A Luis Suárez brace and a sending off for Peru’s Yotún put Friday’s match out of reach for them, with only a consolation goal from Jefferson Farfán giving the Peruvians anything to smile about. But three wins from their last three matches can put them right back in it — provided Uruguay and Ecuador cooperate, of course. Still, it ain’t over til it’s over, right?

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