South American Roundup June 08
An Analysis and Results of South American WC Qualifying Games
Here we explore some of the themes and troubles for the aforementioned teams, for more information and analysis on Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Colombia see here.
Ecuador
So near but so far for the Ecuadorian team this time around. So nearly did they claim victory in Buenos Aires but for the Palacios goal and then they contrived to drop two points at home versus Colombia. These home points are what count most to Ecuador who are struggling to find consistency and they may well regret that favour did not shine upon them in the Colombia game. Two points from two games and third from bottom will not sit well with the Ecuadorian fans.
Paraguay
Up until this phase the guarani were one of two undefeated teams in the qualifying group and looked set to continue in this vein of form seeing of a leaden legged Brazil in Asuncion 2-0. However, the form book was turned on its head in Bolivia - the altitude thing again! - where down to 10 men, they were comprehensively outplayed and outclassed by a Bolivia team winning their first game of the qualifying process. Roque Santa Cruz brought his game but sadly this was not enough. The Paraguayans remain at the top of the table setting the pace
Peru
It is hard to know which Peru will show up at an international game. In Lima they will be pained to not have taken all three points against Colombia. The talismanic Nolberto Solano wreaked havoc down the win and the Peruvians will feel that they were somehow robbed the whole prize. then, in Uruguay, another Peru showed up and effectively lay prostrate at the home side's feet and conceded 6 goals! Bottom place and where they could conceivably remain.
Uruguay
Dropping two points by drawing versus Venezuela at home, the Uruguayans and Diego Forlan - who scored a hattrick - in particular made ammends versus a poor Peru side and whacked 6 past them with no reply. The Uruguayans needed a victory against Peru to cement their place at the top half of the table and will be relying on mixed results elsewhere to continue in an above average run of form.
Venezuela
There's something about Venezuela - Uruguay games, it is if as though there is some superstitious hoodoo.There is no way of calling the result but you can be certain that the outcome will not be appreciated by either side. Venezuela could have taken this game, but contrived to draw. They will be diappointed with their home defeat to Chile 3-2 but can take some solace in that this baseball nation continues to make impressive headway in an untraditional sport.
How the League Stands
1 - Paraguay - 13 pts
2 - Argentina - 11 pts
3 - Colombia - 10 pts
4 - Chile - 10 pts
5 - Brazil - 9 pts
6 - Uruguay - 8 pts
7 - Venezuela - 7 pts
8 - Ecuador - 5 pts
9 - Bolivia - 4 pts
10 - Peru - 3 pts
There is a brief respite for all of the national teams and then they are expected to perform and deliver once again over games 7 to 10 all of which are taking place in September and October 2008. Given the way the table stands at the moment we are certain to see some upsets and shock results.
