Jordan 0 - Uruguay 0

Photo by Daniel Caselli

The final qualifier for the 2014 FIFA World Cup took place before a very confident, joyous, and relaxed crowd in Montevideo.  Such a crowd atmosphere is not typical for the second leg of an intercontinental playoff series, but hosts Uruguay were ahead 5-0 on aggregate against visiting Jordan.  Fans of La Celeste were expecting tonight to be nothing more than a glorious victory lap for their side.  As expected, the match got off to an extremely slow start with the outcome of the series all but decided before kickoff.  At the end of the half, Uruguay really should have grabbed the lead on a corner kick play.  Edinson Cavani headed from fifteen yards out toward goal.  Diego Lugano (pictured, blue #2) flicked on to the goal line, from where his fellow centerback Diego Godin somehow managed to head the ball off the crossbar rather than into the Jordanian goal.  The half ended as it began, 0-0.

A fast exchange required a kick save from Jordan goalkeeper Mohamad Shatnawi (pictured, black).  On the hour mark, Uruguay really should have nudged ahead, but Lugano missed a free header from six yards out on a corner kick.  Jordan actually had a chance to get ahead, but Lugano blocked a shot from the penalty spot by Ahmad Ibrahim.  Cavani had a chance with his last kick of the ball before being substituted off, but Shatnawi made a safe grab.  Uruguay really only looked threatening on corner kicks on this rather relaxed night.  Jordan hang on for a credible 0-0 draw on the road against a South American power.  Jordan are nevertheless the final team to be eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup, falling by a 5-0 aggregate scoreline.  For the second straight tournament, Uruguay are the last of the thirty-two teams to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals.

Match Reports:
http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/20/uruguay-vs-jordan-2014-fifa-world-cup-playoff-qualified/
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/uruguay-0-0-jordan-world-cup-qualifier-second-leg-match-report-goalless-draw-centenario-112013
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=2227242/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_1
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2510938/Uruguay-0-Jordan-0-agg-5-0--Luis-Suarez-books-World-Cup-ticket-South-Americans-progress.html

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZayay7ROBw

Uruguay 5 - Jordan 0

Photo by Jack Guez

Uruguay made the long trek across the globe to get to Amman in time to face their hosts Jordan in the first leg of their intercontinental playoff series.  The match started off slowly as the two sides were feeling each other out having never faced each other previously.  At the quarter hour mark, Oday Al-Saify created a chance when his cross floated right at the near post, forcing a diving save across his momentum by Uruguay goalkeeper Martin Silva.  It would be Uruguay who would score first, however.  A Cristian Stuani cross to Edinson Cavani at the back post led to a header that was saved by Jordan goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Shatnawi.  No Jordan defenders crashed on the follow up rebound, so Maxi Pereira was free to clean up the rebound and score the opener.  Egidio Arevalo Rios was the player of the half for the visitors as he cut out so many Jordan attacks from his position in the midfield.  Nicolas Lodeiro played a through ball to Stuani that just defied a sliding block attempt fromr Al-Saify.  Once the ball got through, Stuani popped it into the next to double the lead.  Uruguay would be pleased to be ahead 2-0 at the halftime whistle.

For the first half of the second period, Jordan were the completely dominant team.  A cross in from Adnan Adous beat the two defenders around Ahmad Hayel, but Hayel somehow pushed wide with the goal at his mercy.  After the Hayel miss, Jordan just could not seem to complete the final probing passes necessary to break down the Uruguayan defense.  One can only imagine how things would have turned out differently for Jordan had they made it 2-1.  Cavani ran all the way to the endline and dragged Al-Shatnawi out of position.  Cavani then cut a pass back upfield, and Lodeiro chipped into the vacant net for 3-0.  Substitute Alvaro Pereira hit a long, floating ball over the Jordanian defense, which had overplayed to its right flank in response to his run.  Cristian Rodriguez was open on the other side, and had time to trap with his chest before blasting a ball into the bottom corner for Uruguay's fourth goal.  A Thaer Bawab ball into Hayel was cut out at the last moment by a Diego Lugano slide, preserving the shutout with five minutes to go.  In the penultimate minute of regulation, a late chance for Diego Forlan was parried out for a corner kick by Al-Shatnawi.  In stoppage time, a high-boot challenge from Adous led to a free kick chance from nineteen yards away.  Cavani hit an amazing curling free kick that went from outside the far post back on frame into the upper ninety.  Uruguay record a massive 5-0 victory and will come home next week to face Jordan in what will amount to a party to celebrate their qualification for Brasil 2014.

Goals
Uruguay
Maxi Pereira 22
Cristian Stuani 42
Nicolas Lodeiro 69
Cristian Rodriguez 78
Edinson Cavani 90+2

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=2223500/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_caption
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/jordans-world-cup-dream-in-tatters-after-uruguay-thrashing
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/nov/13/uruguay-jordan-world-cup-playoff

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW2LmhI7ln4

Preview: Intercontinental Playoffs

The intercontinental playoffs are a rare treat in the world of international football.  These two series are the only four matches in a four-year period that feature competitive matches between teams from different confederations that do not take place in a neutral host country.  The FIFA Confederations Cup, the FIFA World Cup, and even the Olympics all take place at neutral sites.  Qualifying matches for continental finals and for the FIFA World Cup take place before partisan crowds, but they feature matches among teams from the same confederation.  Only the intercontinental playoffs provide fans the chance to show partisan support for their home teams as they take on unfamiliar foes from other regions of the world.

Due to the long distances between Amman and Montevideo, and Mexico City and Wellington, these series take place over an eight-day period rather than the more typical five-day period offered by the international matchday windows.  This is to compensate for long travel times and to allow for better acclimatization as the teams explore different parts of the Earth.

Mexico are the negative surprise package of the bunch.  Few would have predicted that the team seeded first in North America at the start of the tournament would finish as low as fourth position.  Even more surprising was the fact the Mexico were a mere three minutes from being eliminated in fifth position before the United States of America turned around their final qualifier against Panama in the final moments to deny Panama a berth in these intercontinental playoffs.  Mexico have just switched to their fourth different coach since September.  In fact, no foreign-based players have been called up by the new coach due to the lack of good performances in qualifying produced by the European-based stars of El Tri.  Even the formerly mystical home field advantage of the Estadio Azteca has been shredded by a run of only one victory from five home qualifiers in 2013.  However, the all-local side did defeat Finland in a recent friendly.  They also are somewhat familiar with New Zealand, having played and won two friendlies against the Kiwis in the past four years.  The big question for Mexico is whether their inexperienced midfield can hold up over the two legs of this tie.  Only one midfielder on the roster has even ten caps.

New Zealand are the obvious participant in this round as few expected any other Oceania side to truly push New Zealand for superiority in qualifying.  Now, after eight months without playing a competitive match since finishing the Oceania campaign in March, the Kiwis finally get to face the pressure of a match that counts.  In 2009, New Zealand were able to hold Bahrain away before securing a classic 1-0 victory at home in the Westpac Stadium.  Unfortunately, New Zealand are missing stalwart captain and fullback Winston Reid due to injury, so they will have to make up for his absence.  With only six matches played this year, are the players familiar enough with each other to overcome Mexico?  New Zealand did defeat Saudi Arabia away two months ago.  With a roster full of A-League players along with England-based Tommy Smith and Chris Wood, the Kiwis will be looking to stay solid defensively on the road in the first leg.

Jordan are the positive surprise package of the bunch.  Few would have predicted that the team seeded thirteenth in Asia at the start of the tournament would finish in fifth position.  It was even a bit of a surprise to some that Jordan made it into the final ten given that they were in an AFC Third Round group with China and Iraq with only two tickets available to the final round.  Jordan have navigated through eighteen fixtures so far, including a pair of home-and-away aggregate-goals series such as the one they now face against Uruguay.  Jordan have won penalty shootouts in each of the past two FIFA World Cups, defeating Kyrgyzstan in 2007 and Uzbekistan in 2013 to qualify for these intercontinental playoffs.  No expectations will be weighing upon the Jordanians as they take on 2011 Copa America champions Uruguay.  Nearly the entire roster plays its club football in either Jordan or Kuwait.  Jordan have been impressive in two recent friendlies in the Middle East, defeating both the 2012 and 2013 African Cup of Nations champions by a score of 1-0.  Zambia and Nigeria may not quite match up to the standards of Uruguay, but Jordan are in good form at the moment.  They are unbeaten in their past ten matches, and have a record of ten wins and three draws at home in 2013.

Uruguay are the perennial qualifying underachievers of South America, but at least they are consistent in their bid to finish fifth place every cycle.  Two of Colombia, Paraguay, Ecuador, and Chile manage to finish ahead of Uruguay alongside Argentina and Brasil, yet Uruguay always manage to stay ahead of the other two in order to claim fifth position.  This time around with Brazil not taking part in qualifying, Uruguay managed only to surpass Paraguay, but that was enough.  La Celeste have a ridiculously long history with the intercontinental playoffs.  In 2001, Uruguay defeated Australia.  In 2005, Australia beat Uruguay in a penalty shootout.  In 2009, Uruguay defeated Costa Rica despite not winning their home leg at the Estadio Centenario.  Jordan appear to be the weakest of the four opponents Uruguay will have faced, but nothing should be taken for granted.  La Celeste's run to the semifinals of this year's FIFA Confederations Cup has really reinvigorated the national team.  Still, for a team that since June has defeated France, Venezuela, Nigeria, Japan, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina, underestimation of their opponents Jordan is the likeliest source of trouble.  Starting goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is out for this series.

Going by the ELO ratings, #24 Mexico are favorites to knock off #56 New Zealand for spot number thirty-one at Brasil 2014 while #7 Uruguay are huge favorites to knock off #59 Jordan and claim spot number thirty-two at Brasil 2014.  I expect those rankings to hold true.

Mexico will win their first leg at home by multiple goals.  Even if New Zealand manage to win at home, they will not win on aggregate.  Uruguay are simply too strong right now and will win both legs in order to claim not only the final berth at Brasil 2014 but also a place among the eight seeded teams.

Match Previews:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=2222779/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_1
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=2222441/index.html

Match Schedule: November 2013

November 2013 marks the end of the long journey that is FIFA World Cup qualifying for Brasil 2014.  The cycle began in Trinidad and Tobago back on 15 June 2011 and will end on 20 November 2013 in Uruguay.  This month, the remaining twenty-two teams across all six confederations will be whittled down to the final eleven qualifiers with the other eleven sides suffering elimination at the final hurdle.  Four qualifications and four eliminations will come out of the playoffs in Europe.  Five qualifications and five eliminations will come out of the second legs of the final round in Africa.  The final two qualifications and two eliminations will take place on the final day of qualifying in the two intercontinental playoff series.  The seventeen matches this month will see the field of thirty-two nations finally reveal itself in its entirety ahead of the final draw in December.

All times are given in Central Time (GMT-6).

13 November 2013
Uruguay at Jordan 9:00 Amman
New Zealand at Mexico 14:30 Mexico City

15 November 2013
Croatia at Iceland 13:00 Reykjavik
France at Ukraine 13:45 Kiev
Romania at Greece 13:45 Piraeus
Sweden at Portugal 13:45 Lisbon

16 November 2013
Ethiopia at Nigeria 9:00 Calabar
Cote d'Ivoire at Senegal 12:00 Casablanca, Morocco

17 November 2013
Tunisia at Cameroon 8:30 Yaoundé

19 November 2013
Ghana at Egypt 10:00 Cairo
Burkina Faso at Algeria 12:15 Blida
Greece at Romania 13:00 Bucharest
Ukraine at France 13:00 Saint-Denis
Iceland at Croatia 13:15 Zagreb
Portugal at Sweden 13:45 Solna

20 November 2013
Mexico at New Zealand 00:00 Wellington
Jordan at Uruguay 17:00 Montevideo

Bolivia 1 - Peru 1

Photo by Cris Bouroncle

Lima was the site of the final match of FIFA World Cup qualifying for the month of October 2013.  After all the meaningful matches being played today, it was anticlimactic to finish with Peru's home match against Bolivia, but that's the way it goes sometimes.  There was an eerie lack of atmosphere because Peru were banned from having fans present for this home qualifier.  A quick pass forward by Carlos Lobaton off a pass backward by Juan Vargas caught the Bolivia backline unprepared.  Yoshimar Yotun took the through ball and scored to give Peru a 1-0 lead.  Carlos Zambrano had a chance to double the lead, but he pulled his shot wide after making a solo run into space of over thirty yards.  Teenager Christian Benavente nearly scored his second goal for Peru, but his shot was blocked off the crossbar by Marvin Bejarano.  Benavente started a three-versus-one counterattack, but with the goalkeeper at their mercy, Vargas took a heavy touch and the break fell apart.  In stoppage time, Marcelo Martins (pictured, green #9) took a curling, dipping shot that forced Peru goalkeeper Diego Penny into a diving save.  The long rebound was floated into the goal by Diego Bejarano.  The score was tied 1-1 at the conclusion of the first forty-five.

Peru were the only side to create a chance in the second half of the match.  Their best opportunity came from a Claudio Pizarro through ball into for Yordy Reyna.  Reyna beat two Bolivians in a foot race, but his shot could not defeat the crossbar.  Bolivia had only one chance in the match, but they took it.  Bolivia therefore steal a 1-1 draw on the road.

Argentina 32 pts IN
Colombia 30 pts IN
Chile 28 pts IN
Ecuador 25 pts +4 IN
Uruguay 25 pts 0
Venezuela OUT
Peru OUT
Bolivia OUT
Paraguay OUT

Goals
Peru
Yoshimar Yotun 19

Bolivia
Diego Bejarano 45+2

Match Reports:
http://us.soccerway.com/news/2013/October/16/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-peru-1-bolivia-1/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkM68p84QAI

Uruguay 3 - Argentina 2

Photo by Miguel Rojo

Uruguay needed a huge margin of victory at home in Montevideo in order to qualify directly to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals., an unlikely task given that group winners Argentina were the visitors.  Five minutes into the match, a loose ball in the Argentine box fell to Cristian Rodriguez in space, so he settled the ball and then fired Uruguay into an early 1-0 lead.  Ten minutes later, a skillful chest trap from Augusto Fernandez inside the Uruguay area gave Maxi Rodriguez a shot on goal that he blasted into the net for the equalizer.  Some artful and disgraceful flopping by Luis Suarez inside the Argentina penalty area drew a penalty kick, and Uruguay undeservedly converted for a 2-1 lead.  Rodriguez scored his second equalizer of the night as halftime approached.  He received a pass and then cut inside of Jorge Fucile (pictured, left) before rolling the ball in at the far post.  The teams were tied at 2-2 going into the break.

Five minutes after the restart, Suarez latched onto a long through ball ahead of the defense.  Suarez drew the only defender back before playing a short pass to Edinson Cavani.  Cavani gathered the ball in stride, drove at the goal, and then unleashed a scorcher to put Uruguay ahead by one goal for the third time in the match.  Uruguay held on for the final forty minutes and win 3-2, but in spite of being level on points in fourth place with Ecuador after the completion of all fixtures, Ecuador had a better goal differential, meaning that Uruguay will be going to the intercontinental playoffs.  Ecuador officially qualify for Brasil 2014.  With the second leg at home, should Uruguay beat Jordan they will be the last of the thirty-two teams to qualify for Brasil 2014.

Goals
Uruguay
Cristian Rodriguez 5
Luis Suarez 34 PK
Edinson Cavani 50

Argentina
Maxi Rodriguez 15, 41

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/15/4842854/uruguay-argentina-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/97334/uruguay-vs-argentina/report?

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dcvHhzAjvs

Chile 2 - Ecuador 1

Photo by Claudio Santana

Chile needed a result at home in Santiago against Ecuador in order to qualify for Brasil 2014.  Ecuador needed only a draw themselves in order to qualify.  Christian Noboa had the first chance of the match of any note.  His hooking effort on a short-range free kick from just outside the Chilean box brought out a nice diving punch-away from Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.  Walter Ayovi was the next to break through the Chile backline, but Bravo tipped his rolling shot around the bar.  Bravo then had to punch away an Ayovi free kick at his near post.  Chile surprisingly were the first team to score.  Eugenio Mena flicked in a cross from the left side to Alexis Sanchez (pictured, red).  Sanchez somehow outleaped his much taller marker Frickson Erazo (pictured, blue) to power a header home at the near post.  Sanchez hit a dipping free kick soon thereafter that necessitated a leaping tip over the bar by Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez.  1-0 soon became 2-0 for Chile.  On the resulting Marcelo Diaz corner, Sanchez won a header and flicked it onto the goalmouth, where a waiting Gary Medel added the finishing touch.  Chile led 2-0 at halftime.

Arturo Vidal nearly made it 3-0, but his header smacked the inside of the post and then rebounded into the grateful hands of Dominguez, who had not moved as the header had left him rooted to his spot.  Midway through the second half, Antonio Valencia led a breakaway for Ecuador.  Valencia's through ball to Felipe Caicedo was placed out of the reach of Bravo to make it a nervy 2-1 game.  After all the action prior to that point, the end of the match was a dud.  This suited both teams just fine.  Chile win 2-1 and qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  Ecuador needed to wait until Uruguay's match with Argentina went final before popping the champagne, but their goal differential would all but assuredly send Ecuador through barring the most unthinkable barrage of goals by Uruguay late in their match against Argentina.  In an odd scene, both teams were celebrating on the field after the game in spite of the fact that one of them had just lost a match.

Goals
Chile
Alexis Sanchez 35
Gary Medel 38

Ecuador
Felipe Caicedo 66

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/15/4843120/chile-ecuador-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result
http://news.yahoo.com/soccer-chile-beat-2-1-ecuador-both-qualify-021324476--sow.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Juwmj_Jsgk

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmV6P820oHY (1st half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_3988304439&feature=iv&src_vid=qmV6P820oHY&v=j2aHK1xMC14 (2nd half)

Colombia 2 - Paraguay 1

Photo by Victor R. Caivano

Colombia were confident ahead of their trip to Asuncion, having won their previous three qualifiers in Paraguay.  Jorge Rojas made his intentions known early as his laser shot from distance sailed just wide of the Colombian goal.  Shortly thereafter, Rojas let fly from thirty-one yards out, and the bouncing shot ate up Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina, who allowed the ball to bounce through his arms for the opening goal.  Freddy Guarin was sent off for a second yellow card, picking up his second caution as early as minute 31.  Colombia were down a goal and down to ten men with a hole in the midfield.  Guarin will miss the first match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.  The Cafeteros were not shaken by the turn of events.  A James Rodriguez free kick was headed home from seven yards out by his center back and captain Mario Yepes.  Yepes's goal evened the score at one goal apiece.  Yepes had not scored for Colombia since 2007.  At the break, the match was level at 1-1.

Ospina denied a solid strike from Roque Santa Cruz at his near post.  Carlos Bacca took a shot inside the Paraguayan box after a scramble, forcing a desperate save from Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar.  Yepes was on the doorstep and pushed home the rebound to give his team a 2-1 lead.  Paraguay were stunned not to be able to equalize after being denied on a double save.  Oscar Cardozo sent a fast shot into Ospina.  The rebound fell to Santa Cruz, but his one-timed effort was saved off the line by a lunging block from Pablo Armero.  Somehow, in spite of their numerical disadvantage, Colombia created two late chances through Jackson Martinez (pictured, yellow).  Villar saved the first with his chest, but Martinez scuffed the second.  Nevertheless, Colombia win 2-1 despite having only ten men on the pitch for the final hour of play.

Goals
Colombia
Mario Yepes 38, 56

Paraguay
Jorge Rojas 7

Match Reports:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-captain-yepes-leads-colombia-2-1-win-023404164--sow.html
http://us.soccerway.com/news/2013/October/16/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-paraguay-1-colombia-2/n242461/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmd0zcOP9zU

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-sozG_4M2o

Argentina 3 - Peru 1

Peru were visiting Buenos Aires in order to face hosts Argentina in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.  Surprisingly, it would be the already-eliminated Peruvian side that would score first.  A booming through ball from his own half by Gianmarco Gambetta put Claudio Pizarro in ahead of the Argentine backline.  Pizarro was forced to chip from outside the box by the onrushing goalkeeper, but he did so superbly to score the first goal.  Two minutes later, Argentina hit back on a corner.  Peru goalkeeper Raul Fernandez was able to push away the initial header on frame by Federico Fernandez, but the rebound was easily cleaned up by Ezequiel Lavezzi (pictured, blue) for the equalizer.  A turnover at midfield by Peru gave Angel di Maria a chance to lead the break for the home side.  Di Maria pushed ahead for Rodrigo Palacio, who took the ball to the end line.  Running out of space, Palacio spun and rolled a pass back into the box.  Lavezzi was there to push home for a 2-1 lead.  The halftime score was Argentina 2, Peru 1.

Two minutes after the restart, a Marcos Rojo cross was knocked into the goal by a sliding Palacio ahead of the block attempt by Gambetta.  Argentina led 3-1 and were able to safely coast to the finish line.  Argentina win 3-1 to clinch first place in CONMEBOL.

Argentina 32 pts IN
Colombia 27 pts IN
Ecuador 25 pts +5
Chile 25 pts +5
Uruguay 22 pts -1
Venezuela OUT
Peru OUT
Paraguay OUT
Bolivia OUT

Goals
Argentina
Ezequiel Lavezzi 23, 35
Rodrigo Palacio 47

Peru
Claudio Pizarro 21

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4829466/argentina-vs-peru-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result
http://www.goal.com/en/match/97330/argentina-vs-peru/report?

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpEWHZLdnz0

Paraguay 1 - Venezuela 1

San Cristobal was the site for Venezuela's final qualifying match, a home date with Paraguay.  Venezuela needed to win and have Uruguay lose their final two games while making up a seven-goal differential.  Therefore, Venezuela sent out an ultra-aggressive lineup with right back Alex Gonzalez in reality playing as a third winger.  Venezuela were always on the front foot, but the Paraguayan defense was stout throughout the match.  Just before the half hour mark, a Victor Ayala driven pass found Edgar Benitez inside the Venezuelan penalty area.  Benitez shook off the mark of Gonzalez to get open for the shot that resulted in the opener for Paraguay.  A Juan Arango (pictured, burgundy, left) free kick was parried aside by the sure-handed dive of Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar.

The young Venezuelan attacking trio of Romulo Otero, Josef Martinez, and Yohandry Orozco were a force in the second half.  Otero burst through the center of the pitch before laying off for Roberto Rosales, but Rosales's hard shot was parried to safety by the diving hands of Villar.  Luis Manuel Seijas was the man to finally equalize for La Vinotinto, who certainly deserved more than a draw out of this match the way they were playing.  Seijas drilled a ball from the top of the box as he clanked his shot in off the far post.  However, the footballing gods were not merciful to the home side on this day.  The match ends as a 1-1 draw, eliminating Venezuela from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Goals
Paraguay
Edgar Benitez 28

Venezuela
Luis Seijas 83

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4829074/venezuela-vs-paraguay-final-score

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTJqt1DPXa0

Ecuador 1 - Uruguay 0

Ecuador were at home in Quito to take on Uruguay.  Ecuador had six wins and one draw at home so far in qualifying, so Uruguay were looking to pull off a shock in the chase for the final direct qualifying berth out of South America.  The teams began the day level on points.  Antonio Valencia (pictured, yellow) sprinted up the right side of the pitch for Ecuador.  Valencia played a perfect ball across the box that beat a sliding block attempt from Maxi Pereira.  Jefferson Montero was there for the tap-in to put Ecuador up a goal at the half hour mark.  Luis Suarez hit a dipping free kick for Uruguay, put Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez made an awkward push-aside of the ball.

In the second period, Uruguay should have gone down a man due to a stomp tackle by Egidio Arevalo Rios, but the referee produced only a yellow card.  Substitute Joao Rojas created the second goal for Ecuador.  He laid a ball behind to a teammate and then ran into the box.  A rebound was spilled, so Rojas picked the ball up and dribbled to the side of the goalkeeper before roofing the shot.  However, the refereeing crew was drunk and decided to flag Rojas for offside despite him being more than two meters onside at the time of the original shot.  In spite of the poor officiating, Ecuador win 1-0 and all but clinch a spot at Brasil 2014.  With this result, Ecuador need only a draw to qualify for Brasil 2014.  Uruguay need to defeat Argentina at home on Tuesday and hope for somebody to win the Chile-Ecuador match all while overcoming a goal differential deficit.

Goals
Ecuador
Jefferson Montero 30

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4829368/ecuador-uruguay-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aicy0GO-zMU

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AphjEPL_cnI (1st half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97uz7DoG304 (2nd half)

Chile 3 - Colombia 3

Colombia were at home with a chance to clinch their qualification in Barranquilla.  Chile were none too keen on allowing such a celebration to occur while they were in the building unless it was for their own qualification.  Chile were the team that were the most effective from the outset.  Colombia refused to apply high pressure, even to Chilean goal kicks, so Chile's counter attacks were allowed to build into true chances quite often.  The pressure broke the Cafeteros' backline soon enough as goalkeeper David Ospina brought down Eduardo Vargas in the box on a deep run off a through ball, giving Chile a penalty chance.  They converted for 1-0.  Vargas was the recipient off a quick outlet pass off a Colombian turnover at midfield.  With only two defenders back, the three-man counter for Chile was favored to score.  Vargas played a bouncing ball into the box between the two defenders, Jorge Valdivia added a touch, and Alexis Sanchez (pictured, red) provided the finishing touch to make it 2-0 in favor of the visitors.  A solo burst down the right for Sanchez gave the Chileans another great opportunity, but Valdivia fluffed his attempt straight to Ospina.  The game was wide open by this point, and Teofilo Gutierrez broke a counter attack for Colombia.  Gutierrez drew Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo off his line, but as the ball bounced over Bravo awaiting a finishing touch, Marcos Gonzalez appeared to clear it away.  Off a Valdivia corner kick, Sanchez was left wide open for a massive diving header that Ospina somehow kept out.  However, Gonzalez won the rebound header and nodded into the path of Sanchez for a tap-in goal that put Chile ahead 3-0 and all but into the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.  Mauricio Isla had a chance to make it 4-0 off a Sanchez pass, but he delayed his shot and was eventually stuffed by the block of Mario Yepes.  In stoppage time, Bravo made a diving save on a mid-range shot from Guillermo Cuadrado. Chile went into the break ahead 3-0.

A flicked-on header by Gutierrez led to a catch for Bravo as he fell to his side.  Chile were surprisingly aggressive with a big lead early in the second half, and were nearly made to pay on a couple Colombian counterattacks.  Chile's Carlos Carmona received his second yellow card in as many minutes in minute 66, throwing Colombia a lifeline with which to overcome the 3-0 deficit.  On the ensuing free kick, Gutierrez popped the header off the post, but Pablo Armero was able to dispossess Jose Rojas inside the box.  Armero slotted a ball to Gutierrez who finally converted to give Colombia their first goal.  James Rodriguez then drew a penalty kick for Colombia that they converted with fifteen minutes left to play to make it 3-2 in favor of Chile.  Bravo made a poor decision to dive with his hands outstretched at Rodriguez as Rodriguez was driving the ball away from goal.  Bravo missed the ball and committed a foul that gave Colombia their second penalty chance in ten minutes.  They converted to knot the score at three goals apiece.  Radamel Falcao took off his shirt to celebrate the occasion and will be suspended for Colombia's final match.  However, he will not care because the spectacular 3-3 draw means Colombia have qualified for Brasil 2014 whereas Chile will need to collect points at home against Ecuador on Tuesday in order to advance.

Goals
Chile
Arturo Vidal 19 PK
Alexis Sanchez 22, 29

Colombia
Teofilo Gutierrez 69
Radamel Falcao 75 PK, 84 PK

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4829092/chile-colombia-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result
http://www.goal.com/en/match/97332/colombia-vs-chile/report?
http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/colombia-come-from-3-0-behind-to-draw-with-chile-and-qualify-for-2014-brazil-world-cup/story-e6frf423-1226738796437

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw9eU2pAcY0

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa_QHDXu0S4

Match Schedule: October 2013

October 2013 will be the month that most clears up the qualification picture for Brasil 2014.  Africa will feature only five matches, but these are all the first legs of two-legged playoff series.  South America goes through its final two matchdays.  Three more teams will qualify directly to Brasil this month from the home continent, but only one team will be eliminated.  Seven teams will qualify from Europe this month while fourteen more will be eliminated, including one very unlucky second-place finisher.  North America will send one final contender into the finals this month while seeing two of its teams getting the boot.  An additional ten teams worldwide will be booking their arrangements for do-or-die playoff series in November.

All times are given in Central Time (GMT-5).

11 October 2013
Bulgaria at Armenia 10:00 Yerevan
Northern Ireland at Azerbaijan 11:00 Baku
San Marino at Moldova 11:00 Chisinau
Belgium at Croatia 11:00 Zagreb
Kazakhstan at Faroe Islands 12:00 Torshavn
Latvia at Lithuania 12:30 Vilnius
Czech Republic at Malta 12:30 Ta'Qali
Poland at Ukraine 13:00 Kharkiv
Liechtenstein at Bosnia and Herzegovina 13:00 Zenica
Italy at Denmark 13:15 Copenhagen
Turkey at Estonia 13:30 Tallinn
Switzerland at Albania 13:30 Tirana
Russia at Luxembourg 13:30 Luxembourg
Hungary at Netherlands 13:30 Amsterdam
Romania at Andorra 13:30 Andorra la Vella
Slovakia at Greece 13:45 Piraeus
Norway at Slovenia 13:45 Maribor
Ireland at Germany 13:45 Cologne
Austria at Sweden 13:45 Solna
Macedonia at Wales 13:45 Cardiff
Cyprus at Iceland 13:45 Reykjavik
Montenegro at England 14:00 London
Israel at Portugal 14:45 Lisbon
Belarus at Spain 15:00 Palma
Paraguay at Venezuela 16:00 San Cristobal
Chile at Colombia 16:00 Barranquilla
Uruguay at Ecuador 16:00 Quito
Costa Rica at Honduras 16:00 San Pedro Sula
Jamaica at United States of America 17:36 Kansas City
Peru at Argentina 18:00 Buenos Aires
Panama at Mexico 20:30 Mexico City

12 October 2013
Algeria at Burkina Faso 11:00 Ouagadougou
Senegal at Cote d'Ivoire 12:00 Abidjan

13 October 2013
Nigeria at Ethiopia 8:00 Addis Ababa
Cameroon at Tunisia 12:00 Rades

15 October 2013
Albania at Cyprus 11:00 Nicosia
Egypt at Ghana 11:00 Kumasi
Russia at Azerbaijan 12:00 Baku
Northern Ireland at Israel 12:00 Ramat Gan
Liechtenstein at Greece 12:00 Piraeus
Bosnia and Herzegovina at Lithuania 12:00 Kaunas
Luxembourg at Portugal 12:00 Coimbra
Netherlands at Turkey 13:00 Istanbul
Estonia at Romania 13:00 Bucharest
Andorra at Hungary 13:00 Budapest
Slovenia at Switzerland 13:00 Bern
Iceland at Norway 13:00 Oslo
Slovakia at Latvia 13:10 Riga
Czech Republic at Bulgaria 13:15 Sofia
Malta at Denmark 13:15 Copenhagen
Macedonia at Serbia 13:30 Jagodina
Armenia at Italy 13:45 Naples
Germany at Sweden 13:45 Solna
Austria at Faroe Islands 13:45 Torshavn
Kazakhstan at Ireland 13:45 Dublin
Moldova at Montenegro 14:00 Podgorica
Ukraine at San Marino 14:00 Serravalle
Wales at Belgium 14:00 Brussels
Finland at France 14:00 Saint-Denis
Georgia at Spain 14:00 Albacete
Poland at England 14:00 London
Croatia at Scotland 14:00 Glasgow
Argentina at Uruguay 18:30 Montevideo
Colombia at Paraguay 18:30 Asuncion
Ecuador at Chile 18:30 Santiago
Honduras at Jamaica 20:30 Kingston
United States of America at Panama 20:30 Panama City
Mexico at Costa Rica 20:30 San Jose
Bolivia at Peru 21:15 Lima

Argentina 5 - Paraguay 2

Hosts Paraguay and visiting Argentina clashed in Asuncion with Paraguay trying to postpone Argentina's qualification celebrations by another month.  Angel di Maria led an Argentine breakaway ten minutes into the match.  He crossed into the box to Sergio Aguero, but Aguero was chopped down by Paraguay goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez for a penalty kick.  Lionel Messi (pictured, blue) converted for 1-0.  Paraguay were level when a Jose Nunez flick from a sharp angle was mishandled by Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, allowing the equalizing goal to trickle through.  Argentina re-established their advantage on a play where Messi chested down a long ball to a play where Aguero was sure to get to it before his two defenders.  Aguero spun and socred on a low roller to make it 2-1.  Argentina led 2-1 at intermission.

Fernando Gago laced a long, rolling through ball to put di Maria in on goal with Rodrigo Palacios open for a slotted ball.  Di Maria chose to take the shot himself, and he scored to make it 3-1 to Argentina.  Messi has trying some ball tricks in the Paraguayan penalty area one minute later when Salustiano Candia impeded his progress.  Messi converted from the penalty spot a second time.  Argentina were up 4-1, and the celebration was destined to happen tonight.  Paraguay caught Argentina on the break with little time remaining.  Miguel Samudio tapped a cross laterally along the box, and a charging Roque Santa Cruz was able to cut the ball across Romero's momentum to make it 4-2.  Argentina had a fifth in the final minute of play.  Substitutes Maxi Rodriguez and Ezequiel Lavezzi played a one-two-one with the finish coming after Rodriguez made a full spin before connecting with the ball on his preferred foot.  Argentina win 5-2 and become the first team from South America to qualify for Brasil 2014.

Argentina 29 pts IN
Colombia 26 pts +13
Chile 24 pts +3
Ecuador 22 pts +4
Uruguay 22 pts 0
Venezuela 19 pts -6
Peru OUT
Bolivia OUT
Paraguay OUT

Goals
Argentina
Lionel Messi 12 PK, 52 PK
Sergio Aguero 32
Angel di Maria 50
Maxi Rodriguez 90

Paraguay
Jose Nuñez 18
Roque Santa Cruz 86

Match Reports:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/09/11/uk-soccer-world-argentina-finals-idUKBRE98A05Z20130911
http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/97328/paraguay-vs-argentina/report?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1769419-argentina-vs-paraguay-score-grades-and-post-match-reaction

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fq8advUpkY

Venezuela 3 - Peru 2

By kickoff, Venezuela knew they had no choice but to win their final two matches at home if they wanted to avoid being eliminated.  First up were Peru in Puerto La Cruz tonight.  Peru were ahead after twenty minutes.  A soft pass from out to Cristopher Hurtado forced Hurtado to hurdle a sliding Venezuela centerback Fernando Amorebieta.  That Hurtado did, and he finish smartly under no pressure to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.  On a short pass from Cesar Gonzalez, Venezuela striker Salomon Rondon nearly tripped over the ball.  Miraculously, Rondon kept his balance and three-stepped through three defenders to somehow get a shot off and into the Peruvian net.  The match was all square at one goal apiece at halftime.

Gonzalez hit a rocket shot five minutes after the restart that was batted aside on the dive by Peru goalkeeper Raul Fernandez.  Venezuela were fortunate to receive a penalty kick after the ball played the hand of a Peru defender from a Yohandry Orozco flick.  La Vinotinto would convert for the 2-1 lead.  With a huge goal differential to overcome should they wish to qualify, Venezuela could not rest on such a slim lead.  Fifteen minutes after their second, Venezuela found a third.  Lazy defending on a throw-in allowed Orozco room to roam up the right flank.  He cut in and laid off to Romulo Otero at the half circle.  Otero one-timed a finish into the bottom corner and Venezuela were away 3-1.  With three minutes to go, Carlos Lobaton curled a free kick dangerously into the Venezuelan penalty area, and Carlos Zambrano was able to head the ball into the goal to cut the gap to 3-2.  Venezuela were able to hold on, but the late Peruvian goal could hurt them in the chase for Brasil 2014.  Venezuela win 3-2 to remain alive in the chase for a berth in the intercontinental playoffs.  Peru have been eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup by their loss tonight.

Goals
Venezuela
Salomon Rondon 36
Cesar Gonzalez 62 PK
Romulo Otero 77

Peru
Cristopher Hurtado 20
Carlos Zambrano 89

Match Reports:
http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-peru-loses-3-2-to-venezuelan-soccer-team-100870
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/11/venezuela-beat-peru-3-2-keep-world-cup-hopes-alive

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDJptLUiAH4

Uruguay 2 - Colombia 0

The home cooking of Montevideo was just what the doctor ordered for Uruguay as they looked to pull into a tie for fourth place with Ecuador.  Colombia were the visitors on this day.  Colombia and Uruguay were trading blows in the first half.  Perhaps the biggest blow was a Luis Suarez (pictured, blue #9) free kick that had to be punched aside at the post by Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina.  The half ended scoreless.

A Walter Gargano through ball put Edinson Cavani in with a chance on goal for Uruguay, but his shot rocked the crossbar under pressure from Luis Perea (pictured, yellow #14).  However, La Celeste were not to be denied, and their insistence and persistence paid off.  A straight-on cross from Maxi Pereira was headed into the goal by Cavani with less than a quarter hour to play.  It was 2-0 but three minutes later.  From a throw-in, Gaston Ramirez chested a ball down and turned with Stefan Medina on his back before he slotted across the box for a Cristian Stuani finish.  It was an odd decision to give right back Medina his first cap in such an important game, and his lack of experience cost Colombia quite often in this match.  Uruguay win 2-0 and go joint fourth with Ecuador in the CONMEBOL table.  With this result, Paraguay have been eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  A point in either of their final two matches will assure Uruguay of at least a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

Goals
Uruguay
Edinson Cavani 77
Cristian Stuani 80

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/10/4717136/uruguay-vs-colombia-final-score-2-0-celeste-back-in-the-qualification

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbQVH30_Lkw

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_9ZdbPa37c

Bolivia 1 - Ecuador 1

Already-eliminated Bolivia and La Paz played host to Ecuador.  Ecuador, with much more for which to play, were on the front foot early.  In an unremarkable first half, no goals were scored.

Early in the second period, Bolivia scored a goal from a wonder strike from Jaime Arrascaita.  Arrascaita smacked a line drive from twenty-seven yards out to put Bolivia on top 1-0.  Marcelo Martins and Arrascaita were linking up splendidly as dual strikers for Bolivia.  Arrascaita received a headed pass from Martins and struck the post from a tight angle.  Later, Martins drove a ball from thirty-five yards into the crossbar.  Unfortunately, terrible luck struck Bolivia ten minutes after they had taken the lead.  Ronald Raldes tripped in his penalty area and his arm landed on the ball, resulting in a penalty kick which Ecuador converted.  Ecuador showed a little more initiative than did Bolivia in the latter stages of the match, but nothing would come of it.  The match ends in a 1-1 draw.

Goals
Bolivia
Jaime Arrascaita 47

Ecuador
Felipe Caicedo 58 PK

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/10/4716666/bolivia-vs-ecuador-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result
http://au.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2014/controversial-penalty-decision-hands-ecuador-1-1-draw_sto3918805/story.shtml

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi-_3jC7ffc

Uruguay 2 - Peru 1

Lima and hosts Peru were paid a visit by Uruguay in the night cap of CONMEBOL Matchday Fifteen.  Uruguay were without both starting centerbacks Diego Godin and Diego Lugano, as well as Diego Forlan.  No Diego's, no problem.  Luis Suarez (pictured, blue) was felled in the box with only a couple minutes to play in the half.  He dusted himself off to convert the penalty.  In first half stoppage time, Peru's Victor Yotun was ejected for throwing a ball at Suarez as he lay prone on the field following a foul.  Uruguay led 1-0 and eleven men to ten at halftime.

Midway through the second half, Uruguay had some luck go their way.  Alberto Rodriguez dispossessed Cristian Stuani inside Peru's penalty area, but the ball rolled to Suarez, who blasted into the upper ninety for his second goal of the evening.  With just over five minutes left in the match, Jefferson Farfan stood over a free kick for Peru.  Six men in the wall could not prevent the curling beauty from keeping its appointment with the goal.  Uruguay held on with the extra man and saw the match out to its conclusion without taking further damage.  Uruguay win 2-1.

Argentina 26 pts +16
Colombia 26 pts +15
Chile 24 pts +3
Ecuador 21 pts +4
Uruguay 19 pts -2
Venezuela 16 pts -7
Peru 14 pts -6
Paraguay 11 pts -10
Bolivia OUT

Goals
Uruguay
Luis Suarez 42 PK, 67

Peru
Jefferson Farfan 84

Match Reports:
http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-peru-falls-2-1-in-soccer-match-against-uruguay-100846
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/97324/peru-vs-uruguay/report

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbiTE31X9Eo

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHQ3oe1AJVw

Chile 3 - Venezuela 0

Venezuela made the trip down to Santiago to take on suddenly-surging Chile.  A stomach virus made the trip with them, and a majority of the Venezuelan players were dealing with the bug as the took the field.  Chile showed no mercy.  Eduardo Vargas was able to trap a high pass and spin in the Venezuelan penalty area while losing the mark of Venezuela centerback Grenddy Perozo.  Vargas finished his chase to the far corner and gave the hosts a 1-0 lead.  A fantastic through ball from Cesar Gonzalez put Salomon Rondon in on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, but the would-be equalizer was sent sky high.  At the half hour mark, a Marcelo Diaz cross was nodded to the far post by Arturo Vidal (pictured, red #8), but Venezuela goalkeeper Dani Hernandez intervened with a flying fist.  Marc Gonzalez made no mistake with the rebound, thrusting himself head-first into the ball to give Chile a 2-0 lead.  The halftime scoreboard read Chile 2, Venezuela 0.

Venezuela had a valid goal disallowed for some unknown reason.  A Gonzalez cross was flicked on into the goal by Rondon, who was neither offside nor in contact with any defender during the play.  Notwithstanding the validity of the play, the score remained 2-0, and Venezuela seemed to lose spirit after the call.  Vargas made a fantastic run to the far post and was open to receive the cross, but he forgot that to score a header needs to be on frame.  Vidal and Alexis Sanchez worked a long-range one-two-one for Chile's third goal.  Vidal made a long pass out right and Sanchez popped up a cross long and to the left.  Vidal connected with a diving header, and the hosts were up three.  Chile win 3-0.

Goals
Chile
Eduardo Vargas 10
Marc Gonzalez 30
Arturo Vidal 84

Match Reports:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1764805-chile-vs-venezuela-score-grades-and-post-match-reaction

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVQ2phsCZQU

Paraguay 4 - Bolivia 0

Asuncion was the site of the bottom-of-the-table clash between visiting Bolivia and Paraguay.  Victor Ayala (pictured, red) came up the right side and crossed into the box on a bounce.  His cross evaded a sliding Bolivia defender Abraham Cabrera before being collected and pushed in by Jonathan Fabbro to give the Albirroja a 1-0 lead.  Ronald Raldes prevented a second goal for Paraguay by heading a shot off the line with his goalkeeper out.  Bolivia were lucky to be down only 1-0 at the half.

Just after the restart, Paraguay scored another goal.  A Miguel Samudio cross from the left was flicked on by a Roque Santa Cruz header from twelve yards out into the goal.  With ten minutes to go, Richard Ortiz dispossessed Juan Carlos Arce in midfield and gave the ball to Fabbro.  Fabbro pushed a through ball up to Santa Cruz, who slotted across the box for a streaking Ortiz to finish the play himself with a goal.  3-0 was the score.  Ayala smacked a great corner kick three minutes later that was met by the head of a leaping Gustavo Gomez at the back post and became the fourth goal.  Paraguay win 4-0.  Bolivia are the first South American team eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Goals
Paraguay
Jonathan Fabbro 17
Roque Santa Cruz 47
Richard Ortiz 81
Gustavo Gomez 84

Match Reports:
http://www.conmebol.com/en/content/paraguay-thrashes-bolivia-4-0-and-foot-table
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/football-improved-paraguay-rout-bolivia-4-0-await-015616052--sow.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDKrmv5ZZ6c