Uruguay 1 - Venezuela 0

Puerto Ordaz was the site as Uruguay paid a visit to Venezuela with inside position for the intercontinental playoff berth on the line.  Venezuela were aggressive early on, and nearly found a goal off a free kick by Juan Arango.  The ball took a wicked bounce off the grass just before it reached the goalkeeper, but an alert Diego Godin in central defense for Uruguay booted the rebound to safety.  Salomon Rondon slipped a defender before unleashing a low drive along the ground, but Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was able to parry the shot away.  Walter Gargano picked up a loose ball in midfield for Uruguay and sent a quick pass out to Edinson Cavani (pictured, blue).  Cavani drove into the box, cut back as Gabriel Cichero slid by, and then slotted home to the far post for the opening goal.  Uruguay nearly made it two to the good after a Cristian Rodriguez run straight up the middle dragged the two defenders toward him, allowing for a side pass to Cavani.  However, Cavani pulled his shot just wide of the far post.  In a nearly identical play, Gaston Ramirez run ran up the middle before laying off to Diego Forlan, who just missed wide of the near post for what could have been Uruguay's second goal.  Venezuela were lucky to be down only 1-0 at the break.

Venezuela regained control of the match in the second forty-five, but no chances were created to truly trouble the Uruguayan goal.  Tomas Rincon was sent marching for Venezuela for a second yellow in minute 84 after taking down Rodriguez from behind.  With only ten men, Venezuela proved to be no less motivated in their quest for an equalizer.  In stoppage time, Venezuela right back Roberto Rosales suffered a cut head.  Once he returned to the pitch, he nearly scored in the last minute of play, but his goal-bound shot was turned aside by a stray leg of an Uruguayan defender to save the day.  Uruguay record their first win in seven qualifying matches, 1-0 on the road.

Goals
Uruguay
Edinson Cavani 28

Match Reports:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-cavani-goal-uruguay-much-needed-win-venezuela-022817287.html
http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/06/12/uruguay-shakes-off-venezuela-threat-revives-w-cup-dream/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exWRts1p_bI

Ecuador 1 - Argentina 1

A road win for Argentina in Quito against Ecuador would send the Albiceleste into Brasil 2014 as the first team to qualify out of South America.  In the second minute, Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez chopped down Rodrigo Palacio with his hands after having been beaten, but interestingly the referee saw fit only to issue a yellow card.  Argentina converted the penalty kick for an early 1-0 lead.  Argentina center back Federico Fernandez really should have dealt better with a corner kick for which he failed to even jump as it fell a half-foot over his head.  A thankful Segundo Castillo nodded the ball into the net unmarked to equalize.  The half ended all square at one goal apiece.

Ecuador were completely and utterly dominant in the second period, and their dominance showed in the number of corner kicks they earned throughout the day.  However, when Lionel Messi was substituted onto the pitch at the hour mark, Argentina created the two best chances of the second half.  Angel di Maria and Lionel Messi both narrowly missed the go-ahead goal on counterattacks, thereby not releasing the pressure valve.  Javier Mascherano was shown a red card in an odd incident with less than five minutes to go.  Mascherano was being stretchered off the pitch when someone on the Ecuador sideline throw water on him.  A fight nearly broke out on the sideline between the two benches, but the only result was the sending off of Mascherano.  Argentina escape the altitude with a 1-1 tie, becoming the first team to avoid defeat on the road against Ecuador in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Goals
Argentina
Sergio Aguero 4 PK

Ecuador
Segundo Castillo 17

Match Reports:
http://www.ufwc.co.uk/2013/06/ecuador-1-1-argentina/
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/97318/ecuador-vs-argentina/report?

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWA4aqThP0g

Colombia 2 - Peru 0

Colombia and the heat of Barranquilla played host to visiting Peru.  Ten minutes into the match, Colombia drew a penalty kick.  Victor Yotun accidentally got his legs tangled with Colombia fullback Camilo Zuñiga after an odd deflection had put Zuñiga through.  Colombia converted for the 1-0 lead.  Colombia were so superior in the first half that Peru chose to make a tactical double substitution at the half hour mark.  This was still not enough to evade a second blow.  In the final minute of the half, Pablo Armero swung in a cross from the left flank that landed in the six-yard box.  Teofilo Gutierrez provided the finish while losing his balance, and the scoreboard read 2-0 at halftime in favor of the Cafeteros.

In the second half, Colombia decided to bunker down and keep a clean sheet.  Peru started decently but quickly faded.  Carlos Zambrano, a Peruvian defender, received a second yellow card in minute 70, leaving Peru down a man for the final twenty minutes.  Colombia did not press for a third, as they were content with the scoreline.  Colombia win 2-0.

Goals
Colombia
Radamel Falcao 12 PK
Teofilo Guiterrez 45

Match Reports:
http://colombiareports.co/colombia-destroys-peru-in-comfortable-win/
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/06/11/uk-soccer-world-colombia-idUKBRE95A19B20130611

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyvR6uvLYFQ

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AapBhRtI6U

Armenia 4 - Denmark 0

Copenhagen was the site for Denmark's home qualifier against Armenia, who had just suffered a shock loss at home to Malta and were hoping to pass the pain onto Denmark.  Olsen's Army, on the other hand, were looking at their favorable ending schedule with matches home and away against both Armenia and Malta as a chance to accumulate points and run back up the table in Group B.  Seeing as how Armenia were coming in off a shock loss at home to Malta, Denmark had to like their chances.  The real shock came off the opening kickoff.  Simon Kjaer played a soft pass out of central defense for Denmark, and then he was unable to knock Yura Movsisyan off the resulting through ball as Armenia found a goal within the opening thirty seconds of the match.  Not quite twenty minutes later, and Kjaer was again the goat.  A pass from their own half of the field sprung Aras Ozbiliz through an offside trap misplayed by Kjaer, and Ozbiliz took his chance in empty space well from the half circle with Denmark goalkeeper William Kvist approaching.  Armenia would take their stunning two-goal lead into intermission.

A clearly befuddled Denmark side were made to look silly on the third goal.  Just before the hour mark, Movsisyan slalomed two defenders and passed the ball off.  After receiving the next pass, Ozbiliz then slalomed three defenders and dribbled freely into the box.  Movsisyan from their essentially stole the ball from Ozbiliz and slotted home for his second, the team's third.  Kvist saved Movsisyan's hat trick attempt with a block off the line after his goalkeeper had been left floating at the top of the penalty box.  With eight minutes to go, Henrikh Mkhitaryan (pictured, white) finished from fourteen yards despite being tightly marked as his fancy footwork earned him just enough space in which to manufacture a nice shot and a fourth goal to the visitors.  In what can be described as nothing less than a shock of massive proportions, 2012 Euro finalists and 2010 South Africa participants Denmark fall 4-0 at home to Armenia.

Italy 14 pts +8
Bulgaria 10 pts +7
Czech Rep. 9 pts +2
Armenia 6 pts -2
Denmark 6 pts -3
Malta 3 pts -12

Goals
Armenia
Yura Movsisyan 1, 59
Aras Ozbiliz 19
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 82

Match Reports:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/armenia-humiliates-denmark-4-0-in-copenhague-as-danes-world-cup-hopes-fade.aspx?pageID=238&nID=48653&NewsCatID=363
http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/253619/report

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3_tA8OmWSU

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQO0nXhbYCA (1st half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk76gtQaAvg (2nd half)

Sweden 2 - Faroe Islands 0

Sweden hosted Faroe Islands in Solna knowing that a home victory would see Sweden pull into a three-way tie for second place in Group C.  A loss would eliminate Faroe Islands from Brasil 2014.  The Faroese held tough for long stretches in the match as they sought to frustrate the favored Swedes.  Mikael Lustig made his way to the endline during the right side for Sweden.  Lustig crossed into the box, where a defender redirected the pass, but it fell into the path of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (pictured, yellow) who pounded the ball into the back of the net, breaking the deadlock.  Sweden would go into the break up 1-0.

Andreas Granqvist was ejected from the game in minute 80, leaving Sweden to cope with ten men for the final ten minutes.  They coped quite well; in fact, they drew a penalty kick the very next minute.  The kick was converted, and Sweden were on their way to a comfortable, if forgettable, victory.  Sweden win 2-0 and eliminate Faroe Islands from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Germany 16 pts +15
Austria 11 pts +10
Sweden 11 pts +4
Ireland 11 pts +2
Kazakhstan 1 pts -13
Faroe OUT

Goals
Sweden
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 35, 82 PK

Match Reports:
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/zlatan-ibrahimovic-double-helps-sweden-stumble-to-win-over-faroes/398100-5-21.html

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

Belarus 1 - Finland 1

Belarus welcomed Finland to Gomel in the second qualifying match between the two sides in a span of five days.  Finland won the first go-around 1-0, but the scene was not so familiar for the Finns on this day.  A loss at home today would eliminate Belarus from Brasil 2014.  Belarus started out as the brighter side, but they could not capitalize on the scoreboard.  Midway through the opening frame, Finland had matched their 1-0 scoreline from the prior encounter between the sides.  Teemu Pukki received a pass with his back to a defender, spun off him and then ran laterally before taking a shot which the goalkeeper did not react to quickly at all due to a deflection of Stanislav Dragun.  Finland would take their 1-0 lead with them into the dressing room.

With six minutes to go, Timofey Kalachev stood over a wide free kick for Belarus.  The in-swinger came in quickly, and the first to meet the ball with his head was Dmitry Verkhovtsov, leveling the affair at one goal apiece.  Verkhovstov dash left him two yards clear of the defense by the time he headed the ball.  The match ends 1-1, and it now appears that neither of these sides control their own destiny on the march to Brasil 2014.

Spain 11 pts +6
France 10 pts +4
Finland 6 pts 0
Georgia 4 pts -4
Belarus 4 pts -6

Goals
Finland
Teemu Pukki 24

Belarus
Dmitry Verkhovtsov 85

Match Reports:
http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008406/postmatch/report/index.html

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

South Korea 1 - Uzbekistan 0; Iran 4 - Lebanon 0

Seoul was the site for the top-of-the-group clash between visiting Uzbekistan and South Korea.  Uzbekistan would qualify for Brasil 2014 with a win, and South Korea would get in with a win coupled with a Lebanon victory later in the day.  South Korea were the better side early on, though a long-distance warning shot from Anzur Ismailov forced South Korea goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong into a diving save.  A long diagonal ball from South Korea right back Kim Chang-soo was won on a header by Kim Shin-Wook, and Son Heung-Min was able to first time a ball into the path of Lee Keun-Ho, though Lee Keun-Ho could not hit the target with the goal at his mercy.  South Korea found themselves with an undeserved corner after a Korean handball was not called inside the Uzbek box.  On the resulting corner, the ball was punched aside by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov, but the resulting cross back into the box was well struck by Kim Young-Gwon.  Uzbekistan defender Akmal Shorakmedov, who had been having a very solid game, looped in a powerful header into his own goal, and South Korea would take a 1-0 lead into the half.

From the opening whistle, the second half was completely owned by the visiting White Wolves. Server Djeparov was his usual creative self, and partner-in-crime Odil Ahmedov was dribbling around defenders into space consistently.  Uzbekistan were also employing a much higher line, but their twenty minutes of domination did not lead to an equalizer.  The rest of the half was played slightly more in the Korean, end but save for one turn-around shot from Alexander Geynrikh that was blocked by South Korea's defense, there was not much in the second period.  South Korea win 1-0 and await the second result to see if they have made it to Brasil 2014.

Iran relished the opportunity to play a home match in Tehran against already-eliminated Lebanon.  Abbas Hassan in goal for Lebanon made a save with his trailing leg, one of many Iranian chances to go beggin in the first half hour of the match.  A visibly tired Lebanese side had nine players absent from this match, and eventually the lack of options wore them down.  Mohammad Khalatbari received a pass at the top of the box, ran to his right to evade two defenders, and then swung across his body to put Iran up 1-0.  In stoppage time, a short corner played to Khosro Heydari found a cluster of four Iranian players, and it would be Javad Nekounam whose header would make the halftime score 2-0 in favor of Iran.

Lebanon defender Hassan Daser was literally brought to his knees in the first minute of the second half by the moves of Reza Ghoochannejhad, leaving Ghoochannejhad with just the goalkeeper to beat, which he did for 3-0.  Nekounam finished the scoring with a curling shot from just above the half circle that left the goalkeeper rooted to his spot in disgust.  Iran win 4-0.  The victory pushes Iran into second place with one match remaining, and it condemns Qatar to the status of "eliminated."

The final matchday in Group One pits South Korea against Iran with one ticket to Brasil 2014 at stake and possibly two.  However, a home victory by Uzbekistan against Qatar would send Uzbekistan through if South Korea win their match.  Uzbekistan will need to go for a multiple-goals victory against Qatar in case South Korea fail to win because Uzbekistan would then be caught in a goal-differential battle, as they would be even with another side on 14 points.

South Korea 14 pts +7
Iran 13 pts +5
Uzbekistan 11 pts +1
Qatar OUT
Lebanon OUT

Goals
South Korea
Akmal Shorakmedov 42 OG

Iran
Mohammad Khalatbari 39
Javad Nekounam 45+1, 86
Reza Ghoochannejhad 46

Match Reports:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130611/south-korea-world-cup-qualifying.ap/
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Sports/Football/2013/Jun-12/220111-lebanon-wc-campaign-ends-with-4-0-iran-drubbing.ashx#axzz2dQmLlwRG
http://www.tehrantimes.com/sports/108457-iran-closes-in-on-world-cup-dream-with-4-0-win-over-Lebanon


Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYKu49x3i50 (South Korea v. Uzbekistan)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5AQw1QlaxI (Iran v. Lebanon)

Australia 4 - Jordan 0; Japan 1 - Iraq 0

Melbourne was the arena for the clash between visiting Jordan and locals Australia.  Australia were dominant in possession early.  Just before the quarter hour, Australia tested the goalkeeper.  Robbie Kruse laid a ball off into the path on an onrushing Brett Holman.  Jordan goalkeeper Amer Sabbah (pictured, black) made the initial save, but the rebound fell to Marc Bresciano.  Bresciano smashed his laser just outside the post.  One minute later, however, Australia got it right.  Off an advantage call, Kruse made it to the end line and raced into the box up the end line.  He made a simple pass to the six-yard box from where Bresciano made no mistake.  Australia were up 1-0.  The Socceroos were destroying the left flank of Jordan's defense, and another Kruse pass nearly made it 2-0, but Cahill could not contort his body quickly enough to get the redirection on frame.  Jordan starting gaining traction over the final twenty minutes of the first half, which Australia won 1-0.

Jordan showed some fight in the opening fifteen minutes of the second half, but eventually Australia re-established supremacy.  On the hour mark, Kruse made a wonderful cross to Cahill for a powerfully headed finish and a two-goal margin.  Kruse with a sweet turn in the box as he nutmegged Mohamad Ali before slotted home for goal number three.  Archie Thompson was saved one-on-one by Sabbah.  A third header in the box on the same corner kick play lead to a historic fourth goal.  Australia captain Lucas Neill (pictured, yellow #2) finally scored his first international goal in more than ninety appearance as he put the Socceroos four goals to the good.  Australia win 4-0 and move within one victory of Brasil 2014.

Already-qualified Japan were able to rest some key players (Maya Yoshida, Atsuto Uchida, Keisuke Honda) in preparation for the upcoming 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup as they traveled to Doha, Qatar to face Iraq in a match that was pivotal in the race for second-place.  A loss for Iraq would see nominal hosts eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  In spite of the absences, Japan were the stronger side in this match.  One neat one-two-one exchange nearly provided an opener for the Samurai Blue, but Hiroshi Kiyotake's shot was deflected, giving Iraq goalkeeper Noor Sabri time to crawl to the side and stop the shot.  The first half ended scoreless.

Iraq looked more likely to score in the second period.  However, Alaa Abdul Zahra was booted from the match for his second yellow card in minute 84 after he bicycle kicked Mashiko Inoha in the face going for a glorious finish.  Iraq were down a man for the final push as they looked to remain alive in the competition.  Even down a man, Iraq had to push for the win.  Japan took advantage with a minute to go on a three-versus-two fast break.  Shinji Okazaki fed Yasuhito Endo, whose pass back to Okazaki forced Okazaki to slide, but Okazaki made contact and the ball rolled into the net as Sabri had already committed to Endo's run.  Japan win 1-0 and Iraq are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  This result also guarantees Australia, at worst, a spot in the fifth-place playoff in Asia.

Japan 17 pts IN
Australia 10 pts +4
Oman 9 pts -2
Jordan 7 pts -10
Iraq OUT

Goals
Australia
Mark Bresciano 15
Tim Cahill 61
Robbie Kruse 76
Lucas Neill 84

Japan
Shinji Okazaki 89

Match Reports:
http://www.goal.com/en-au/match/78094/australia-vs-jordan/report?
http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/socceroos/a-dominant-4-0-victory-helps-socceroos-down-jordan-and-move-one-step-closer-to-2014-brazil-world-cup/story-e6frf4l3-1226662099400#.UiAzs5Kkpw8
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-japan-sign-off-win-end-iraqs-world-165205995.html
http://us.soccerway.com/news/2013/June/11/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-iraq-0-japan-1/n232164/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AgqWtRSvM4 (Australia v. Jordan)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFhziIP-kZg (Japan v. Iraq)

Rwanda 1 - Mali 1; Algeria 3 - Benin 1

Algeria were on the road today to take on Benin in Porto-Novo.  Benin were looking for revenge having lost in Algeria 3-1 in March.  They had the opening at the half hour mark.  A second chance cross of a corner kick found three Algerian defenders against the sole presence of Rudy Gestede in the box.  Gestede rose behind a flat-footed Mehdi Mostefa-Sbaa to head home and send the crowd into a ruckus.  Islam Slimani evened the score with a high bouncing chip over the goalkeeper from eighteen yards that bounced slowly into the goal as two defenders sprinted to try and save the ball.  But four minutes later Slimani had doubled his personal tally.  He rose from seven yards out at the back post to head a cross home powerfully, leaving no chance for any Benin intervention.  Algeria led 2-1 going into their locker room.

Benin player Badarou Nana Nafiou sent off for second yellow card in minute 67, leaving Benin to cope down a man and down a goal.   Algeria took advantage with a dozen minutes to go.  Nabil Ghilas took a through ball and carried it many yards alongside the defensive run of Didier Sossa.  Ghilas was simply too fast, and his simple slotted finish to the far corner gave Algeria their third goal of the night.  Algeria win 3-1.

Mali's capital Bamako was the site for their home match against Rwanda.  Mali were on the offensive from the opening whistle, knowing they needed to keep pace with Algeria in the group table.  Mali nearly struck first, but Rwanda defender Michel Rusheshangogamade a sliding block on the goal line to deny the home side with his goalkeeper beaten.  Behind the midfield creative abilities of Seydou Keita, Mali had at least five clear chances on goal go begging in the first thirty minutes of play.  Rwanda scored the opener well against the run of play.  A long lofted ball came to the head of Mali center back Mahamdou N'Diaye.  N'Diaye made the mistake of trying to head back to his goalkeeper, and Meddy Kagere stole the pass back and scored.  Rwanda were up 1-0 at the half.

Mali continued to be ever-present in attack.  Keita found himself on the doorstep for an unmarked header, but the cross floated just over his leaping head.  Haruna Niyonzima was sent off for his second yellow in minute 65 after his high boot struck the face of a Malian player.  Mali continued to press, sending cross after cross into the box looking to capitalize on their height advantage.  Finally, N'Diaye and his bandaged head wound headed home the equalizer with a dozen minutes left to play.  Rwanda bunkered down and prevented any more great scoring chances for Mali.  Rwanda get a 1-1 draw on the road, but nevertheless they have been eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Algeria 9 pts +7
Mali 7 pts +1
Benin 4 pts -3
Rwanda OUT

Goals
Algeria
Islam Slimani 38, 42
Nabil Ghilas 78

Benin
Rudy Gestede 31

Rwanda
Meddy Kagere 33

Mali
Mahamadou N'Diaye 77

Match Reports:
http://www.mtnfootball.com/international/fifa-world-cup-2014/matches/reports/2013/june/09-benin-v-algeria.html
http://www.supersport.com/football/africa/news/130610/Mali_draw_with_Rwanda

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2gg8UokQ_w (Algeria v. Benin)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4gn_PDHASU (Rwanda v. Mali)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCW6xqOET98 (Algeria v. Benin)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qn1KcS60Oc&list=PL79m9Jm7_jmAdBjcwvx4Qz9snKynVjJEF&index=3 (Rwanda v. Mali)

Egypt 4 - Zimbabwe 2; Guinea 6 - Mozambique 1

Egypt looked to maintain their perfect record as they traveled away to Harare to face Zimbabwe.  Five minutes in, Mohamed Salah was making a run with the ball into space on the right wing for Egypt.  He slotted a ball into the box that was backheeled into the path of Mohamed Aboutrika, whose finish made it 1-0.  Egypt centerback Mahmoud Fathalla (pictured, red #2) made a mistake when heading back to his keeper fifteen minutes later.  Knowledge Musona (pictured, yellow) pounced on the opportunity and chipped the goalkeeper with his first touch to even the score at one goal apiece.  Five minutes before halftime, Egypt goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy registered an assist off a goal kick.  The ball bounced over the defense and was controlled by Salah, who calmly pushed the ball under the oncoming goalkeeper for Egypt's second of the afternoon.  Egypt led 2-1 at the break.

With a quarter hour to play, Salah capitalized on a soft turnover by Zimbabwe.  After gathering the loose ball, Salah nutmegged his defender Lincoln Zvasiya and ran clear into the box before finishing for a 3-1 lead.  Zimbabwe closed the gap once again, this time off a broken play from a corner kick.  Ocean Mushure saved the ball from becoming a throw-in, and then smacked a cross that caught the Egyptian backline asleep.  Zvasiya rose to put away the unmarked header for 3-2.  Just two minutes later, Egypt sealed the match for good.  Aboutrika swung a volley pass from the side of the penalty area around his marker, and the result was a shot for a wide open Salah.  Salah buried the chance for his hat trick.  Egypt win 4-2.

Rainy Conakry was the site for Guinea's home qualifier against Mozambique.  An unexpectedly large bashing was in store for the visiting side.  Mohammed Yattara opened the scoring for Guinea after a quarter hour.  Eighteen minutes later, it was 2-0 off a corner kick header by Sadio Diallo.  Mozambique converted a penalty kick with one minute left in the half, by Guinea scored a penalty of their own in the final minute of the half.  Guinea led 3-1 at intermission.

In the second half, Guinea continued to be the much better side.  No goals were found until the final quarter hour of play.  Guinea ended the match with a flourish, scoring three goals in that time span, including one in the final minute of play.  Guinea win emphatically 6-1.

Egypt 12 pts +6
Guinea 7 pts +5
Mozambique OUT
Zimbabwe OUT

Goals
Egypt
Mohamed Aboutrika 5
Mohamed Salah 41,76, 83

Zimbabwe
Knowledge Musona 21
Lincoln Zvasiya 81

Guinea
Mohamed Yattara 15, 90
Sadio Diallo 33, 45 PK
Ibrahima Traore 76
Mohammed Diarra 81

Mozambique
Domingues 44 PK

Match Reports:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/52/73527/Sports/National-Teams/Relive-Zimbabwe--Egypt-World-Cup-qualifiers.aspx
http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/06/12/egypt-defeats-zimbabwe-4-2-in-world-cup-qualifiers/
http://www.newzimbabwe.com/sports-11345-Warriors+fall+2-4+to+rampant+Egypt/sports.aspx
http://www.supersport.com/football/africa/news/130609/Guinea_demolish_Mozambique

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXxAv2TvC-0 (Egypt v. Zimbabwe)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGLqe-oAwpM (Guinea v. Mozambique)

Togo 2 - Cameroon 0

Togo came home to Lome where they found a very defensive Cameroon team awaiting them.  Cameroon fielded four defensive midfielders in this match.  Togo found a breakthrough via a set piece a couple minutes after the half four mark.  Komlan Amewou powered a free kick around a wall and into the Cameroon goal.  Togo led 1-0 at the cessation of play.

Togo made sure of the result twenty minutes from time.  Lalawele Atakora made an absolutely brilliant individual move to score the second goal for Togo.  Atakora slalomed not one, not two, but five Cameroonian defenders before smacking a shot upper ninety.  Togo win 2-0 and further tighten the situation in Group I with two matches left to play.

Libya 6 pts +1
Cameroon 6 pts -1
DR Congo 5 pts +1
Togo 4 pts -1

Goals
Togo
Komlan Amewou 32
Lalawele Atakora 70

Match Reports:
http://www.mtnfootball.com/international/fifa-world-cup-2014/matches/reports/2013/june/09-togo-v-cameroon.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSIv6PNbPSU

Burkina Faso 1 - Niger 0

Niamey saw hosts Niger play Burkina Faso.  The Burkinabe needed a victory in order to keep pressure on runaway group leaders Congo.  The first half did not bring about any scoring.

With just under ten minutes left to play, Burkina Faso swung in a cross from the left flank toward Jonathan Pitroipa (pictured).  Niger goalkeeper Kassaly Douada desperately lunged at the cross, but all he did was pop it up into the air.  Pitroipa readjusted to the ball and nodded it home for the 1-0 lead.  Burkina Faso held on, and they win 1-0 on the road.  As a result, Niger are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Congo 10 pts +5
Burkina 6 pts +1
Gabon 4 pts -3
Niger OUT

Goals
Burkina Faso
Jonathan Pitroipa 81

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85FwBbQo6_E

Morocco 2 - Tanzania 1; Cote d'Ivoire 3 - Gambia 0

Cote d'Ivoire came into Bakau looking to defeat hosts Gambia for the second time in the tournament.  Gambia almost had the opener after a slaloming run left two Ivoirians in its wake, but the resulting shot hit the far post and bounced back to the goalkeeper.  Les Elephants did not fail to take advantage of the let off.  Mamadou Danso got an initial block on the shot by Lacina Traore, but Traore scooped up the rebound and scored to give Cote d'Ivoire the lead after a dozen minutes.  Gambia were the much better side in the first forty-five, but it would be Cote d'Ivoire with the 1-0 lead at the break.

Midfield maestro Yaya Toure provided the great midfield chipped through ball that sent Traore on a bolting run.  Traore slotted a ball across the face of goal under the onrushing goalkeeper, allowing for Wilfried Bony (pictured, green) to push home into an empty net for 2-0.  To further make the scoreline unjust against the Scorpions, Toure stepped up to deliver a free kick goal in the final minute of the match. Cote d'Ivoire win 3-0 and eliminate Gambia from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The crowd at Marrakech knew that hosts Morocco would have to defeat Tanzania in order to stay alive in the tournament.  An early break by Morocco nearly put them ahead.  After a through ball, Mounir Obbadi swung in a cross that left Aberrazzaq Hamed with a free header, but Tanzania goalkeeper Juma Kaseja denied his effort with an acrobatic save that ricocheted off the crossbar.  Hamed was constant menace down the left flank for Morocco, and it appeared only a matter of time separated him from a goal.  With eight minutes left in the half, Hamed received a pass ten yards from goals, beating the offside trap.  Aggrey Morris ran right through Hamed's body to prevent the goal and was sent off for Tanzania in minute 38.  Hamed converted the penalty kick, and Morocco would take that 1-0 lead with them into halftime.

Morocco doubled their lead after five minutes when a through ball to Youssef El Arabi caught the right back sleeping on the offside trap.  El Arabi dribbled around Kaseja and tapped into the vacant net for the second goal.  The goal of the match came ten minutes later.  From twenty-six yards, Amri Kiemba let loose a massive drive that stunned the Moroccans, who otherwise had firm control of the match due to the extra man.  Kiemba's goal was not enough to save Tanzania as Morocco win 2-1.

Cote d'Ivoire 10 pts +8
Tanzania 6 pts 0
Morocco 5 pts -1
Gambia OUT

Goals
Cote d'Ivoire
Lacina Traore 12
Wilfried Bony 62
Yaya Toure 90

Morocco
Abderazak Hamdallah 40 PK
Youssef El Arabi 51

Tanzania
Amri Kiemba 62

Match Reports:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201306102108.html
http://www.goal.com/en-za/match/82091/gambia-vs-ivory-coast/report?
http://www.lematin.ma/journal/Eliminatoires-du-Mondial-2014--Maroc-Tanzanie--2-1-_Les-Lions-de-l-Atlas-toujours-en-vie-/183409.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srsqToG-FNI (Cote d'Ivoire v. Gambia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o74IOK7ItQ (Morocco v. Tanzania)

Sierra Leone 1 - Tunisia 1; Cape Verde 2 - Equatorial Guinea 1

Sierra Leone came back to the friendly confines of Freetown to face group leaders Tunisia.  With a victory, Tunisia would take the group crown.  Sierra Leone controlled the match before a raucous crowd for the first quarter hour, but the next twenty minutes belonged to the visitors.  However, the opening goal belonged to Sierra Leone when Kai Kamara delivered with just over five minutes left in the first period.  Sierra Leone led 1-0 at halftime.

Sierre Leone surrendered a penalty kick ten minutes into the first half due to miscommunication between goalkeeper Ibrahim Tarawallie and defender Ibrahim Kargbo.  Tarawallie feigned coming out, so Kargbo stopped playing the ball.  Fakhreddine Ben Youssef kicked the ball into the hand of the confused Kargbo, and Tunisia had a penalty.  Tunisia converted for 1-1.  Sierra Leone went ahead again off an unmarked diving header by Sheriff Suma.  Tunisia pressed hard for the equalizer over the final eighteen minutes.  In the final minute of the match, Ben Youssef toe poked a ball under his defender and somehow Tarawallie was unable to parry the weak shot aside.  Tunisia escape with a 2-2 draw.  The result eliminates Cape Verde from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Praia and the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde were at home to take on Equatorial Guinea.  Just beyond the quarter hour, the Blue Sharks had a lead.  A deep run down the left flank led to a ball that was laid off.  Babanco was there to blast the ball into the net and Cape Verde into the lead.  1-0 was the halftime score.

Djaniny latched onto a long through ball and run behind the Equatorial Guinean defense because unleashing a shot over the goalkeeper and into the net for the 2-0 lead.  The Nzalang immediately responded a minute later with a goal of their own.  Emilio Nsue laid a ball across the six-yard line and Jonatas Obina tapped home for 2-1. Neither team offered much the rest of the way, and Cape Verde win 2-1.

Tunisia 10 pts +4
S. Leone 5 pts 0
E. Guinea 4 pts -2
Cape Verde OUT

Goals
Sierra Leone
Kai Kamara 39
Alhassan Kamara 72

Tunisia
Oussama Darragi 55 PK (pictured, white)
Fakreddine Ben Youssef 90

Cape Verde
Babanco 17
Djaniny 53

Equatorial Guinea
Jonatas Obina 54

Match Reports:
http://www.switsalone.com/19671_sierraleone-loses-world-cup-bid-with-2-2-draw-against-tunisia-game-day-photos/
http://tunisia.worldcupblog.org/group-h/sierra-leone-2-2-tunisia-a-second-half-revival-in-freetown.html
http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com/noticia.php?id=3884
http://nzalangmundial.skyrock.com/3167196682-Cabo-Verde-2-Guinea-Ecuatorial-1.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_0wzabmO8c (Sierra Leone v. Tunisia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuYstJ97qi0 (Cape Verde v. Equatorial Guinea)

Switzerland 1 - Cyprus 0

Rainy Geneva was the scene as group leaders Switzerland hosting last-place Cyprus.  The Swiss almost had a lead after a slight touch past the goalkeeper saw a balling rolling toward the goal, but a sprint and sliding kick to safety by Angelis Charalampous (pictured, blue) prevented the goal.  This was the best opportunity of the first period, and the half ended scoreless.

Cyprus continued to offer nothing more than a defensive shell as their attack was not a factor in the match.  Switzerland simply had to find a way to break down a team looking for a scoreless draw.  A dozen minutes after the resumption of play, Valentin Stocker made a smart pass when he could have taken a shot, nearly leading to a Swiss opener.  However, Cyprus goalkeeper Antonis Giorgallidis made a reaction save to deny Mario Gavranovic what he surely must have thought was a goal.  In the final minute of regulation, a sprinting Xherdan Shaqiri (pictured, red) hit a perfectly-weighted through ball that was chipped over Giorgallidis and into the goal by Haris Seferovic, giving Switzerland a late lead.  This was Seferovic's first international goal.  Switzerland would clinch the 1-0 victory shortly thereafter and stretch their lead in Group E.

Switzerland 14 pts +7
Albania 10 pts +1
Iceland 9 pts -1
Norway 8 pts 0
Slovenia 6 pts -2
Cyprus 4 pts -5

Goals
Switzerland
Haris Seferovic 90

Match Reports:
http://bostonherald.com/sports/revolution_soccer/soccer/2013/06/switzerland_beats_cyprus_1_0_in_wcup_qualifier
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-swiss-snatch-last-gasp-win-over-defiant-173936130.html

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

Angola 1 - Senegal 1; Uganda 1 - Liberia 0

Kampala and its crowd support awaited Uganda and the visit of Liberia.  Uganda had a quick lead inside of five minutes.  An Emmanuel Okwi through ball led to a tap-in finish for Tonny Mawejee and a 1-0 lead to the hosts.  Patrick Wleh proved a menace to Uganda with his presence in attack, but Uganda managed to keep him off the scoresheet. Overall, Uganda were the brighter side in the first half, and they took their 1-0 lead with them into the break.

Uganda controlled the match with sturdy defending throughout.  Wleh nearly found a goal for Liberia in the final ten minutes, but Liberia goalkeeper Robert Odongkara made the save.  Uganda hold on and win 1-0.

Luanda and hosts Angola welcomed group leaders Senegal into town.  Angola really should have taken the first goal, but Pirolito missed an open header at the back post off a corner kick from Djalma.  Senegal made the Angolans pay midway through the first half.  Papiss Cisse rose above flat-footed Angola centerback Dani Massunguna to nod home a cross for a 1-0 lead.  Sadio Mane was also dangerous in attack for Senegal, but it would be Angola who would look better for the rest of the half.  Senegal were grateful for the respite of haltime, and they had a 1-0 lead.

Angola righted the ship quickly in the second half.  Yano made a spectacular trap and back heel with a man on his back to spring an attack down the flank, and the resulting cross was powerfully headed for the equalizer from seven yards by Afonso Guilherme.  Senegal could have stolen the full three points on a counterattack later in the half.  Senegal had a two-versus-two break, and the header was won by Senegal, leaving a bouncing ball for a Cisse volley attempt from six yards.  However, Cisse could not keep the blast down and sent the ball into the stratosphere.  Senegal nearly scored late on from a header inside the six-yard box, but Angola goalkeeper Landu dropped quickly to his right to deny the goal, and the rebound was headed wide of goal.  Guilherme nearly won it for Angola at the end of regulation, but the cross was too fast and too far behind him for his header to be redirected into the vacated net.

Senegal 6 pts +2
Uganda 5 pts -1
Angola 4 pts 0
Liberia 4 pts -1

Goals
Uganda
Tonny Mawejee 4

Senegal
Papiss Cisse 23

Angola
Afonso Guilherme 51

Match Reports:
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/643731-wc-qualifier-uganda-1-liberia-0.html
http://www.kawowo.com/index.php/football/item/15444-player-ratings-uganda-vs-liberia.html
http://www.liberiansoccer.com/Four_Takeaways_from_Liberias_1-0_loss_to_Uganda2019181171161514113121121.htm
http://www.supersport.com/football/angola/news/130608/Angola_Senegal_keep_Group_J_tense

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDCyD94qlRo (Uganda v. Liberia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpEx0sXnoHM (Angola v. Senegal)

Gabon 0 - Congo 0

Franceville was the site of a forgettable encounter between visitors Congo and Gabon.  Defensive leader for Congo Christopher Samba was not available, but the defenses held firm in this match.  The match ends as a 0-0 draw, which does no favors to Gabon in their quest to catch Congo six points adrift of their lead.

Congo 10 pts +5
Gabon 4 pts -3
Burkina 3 pts 0
Niger 3 pts -2

Match Reports:
http://www.africatopsports.com/2013/06/08/elim-mondial-2014-le-gabon-proche-de-la-sortie-le-congo-solide/

Ethiopia 2 - Botswana 1; South Africa 3 - Central African Republic 0

Lobatse and hosts Botswana looked to deal surprise group leaders Ethiopia a blow.  The match began slowly, but it would be Ethiopia who would spring to life first.  With a dozen minutes left in the half, Getaneh Kebede was allowed to dribble into the heart of the Botswana defense and take an open shot from the penalty spot, a defensive breakdown deserving of the punishment of a goal.  At the cusp of halftime, Ethiopia doubled their advantage.  A turnover led to an immediate through ball to Ethiopia striker Saladin Said.  A power strike from Said at the edge of the penalty area did the damage.  Ethiopia led 2-0 at intermission.

 Botswana did not roll over and succumb, however.  They battled, and they were rewarded with a quarter hour left on the clock.  A nice cross from the left wing to the near post was flicked on backwards by substitute Tebogo Sembowa.  Botswana were unable, however, to close the entire gap in the final quarter hour.  Ethiopia win 2-1.

Yaounde, Cameroon was the site of the match between nominal hosts Central African Republic and South Africa.  South Africa were looking to keep pace with Ethiopia, and that they did.  Siphiwe Tshabalala (pictured, green) slotted a long-distance through ball to Bernard Parker, who had to simultaneously nutmeg and leap over the oncoming Central African Republic goalkeeper Emmanuel Yezzoat (pictured, black).  The ball trickled into the goal for a 1-0 lead to Bafana Bafana.  Tshabalala scored a wonder goal at the end of the half.  Yezzoat had initially blocked a shot to safety, but South Africa remained in attack.  Tshabalala received the ball and sprung a one-two-one with Tokelo Rantie, leaving Tshabalala was in on goal.  A feint to get the goalkeeper on the ground was enough to empty the net, and Tshabalala filled it with a goal.  South Africa took the 2-0 lead with them into their dressing room.

Early in the second half, the home side should have drawn closer, but Hilaire Mome's cross was plucked out of the air by South Africa goalkeeper Itemelung Khune with multiple Central African attackers in his vicinity.  Bafana Bafana dropped into a shell for the remainder of the match, caring only to counterattack.  That they did with success in stoppage time.  Oupa Manyisa was in possession along the left flank.  He shimmied and shook his way past defender Therence Khetevoama, and then he floated a perfect cross over the goalkeeper for the simplest of headed finishes by Katlego Mashego.  South Africa win 3-0.

Ethiopia 10 pts +4
South Africa 8 pts +5
Cen. Af. Rep. OUT
Botswana OUT

Goals
Ethiopia
Getaneh Kebede 33
Saladin Said 45

Botswana
Tebogo Sembowa 76

South Africa
Bernard Parker 26
Siphiwe Tshabalala 43
Katlego Mashego 90+1

Match Reports:
http://www.zehabesha.com/ethiopia-victorious-in-botswana/
http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/article/international/ethiopia-victorious-in-botswana/133941
http://www.goal.com/en-za/match/82075/central-african-republic-vs-south-africa/report?
http://us.soccerway.com/news/2013/June/08/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-central-african-republic-0-south-africa-3/n231888/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qMsKTckB4c (Ethiopia v. Botswana)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smxm0ya-6f8 (South Africa v. Central African Republic)

Zambia 4 - Lesotho 0

Ndola was the stage as hosts Zambia welcomed Lesotho to town.  A win for Zambia would lift them over Ghana in the standings with two matches left to play.  Zambia found the opening goal through a bicycle kick from Jacob Mulenga (pictured, orange).  That was the only goal of the opening forty-five.

In the second half, Zambia left no doubt as to their superiority.  Chris Katongo scored the second goal on a header.  Mulenga hit a driven shot for the team's third goal, and Collins Mbesuma concluded the scoring off a breakaway finish.  Zambia win 4-0 and eliminate Lesotho from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Zambia 10 pts +8
Ghana 9 pts +12
Lesotho OUT
Sudan OUT

Goals
Zambia
Jacob Mulenga 36, 64
Chris Katongo 61
Collins Mbesuma 83

Match Reports:
http://bolazambia.com/en/?p=1965
http://bolazambia.com/en/?p=1941

Peru 1 - Ecuador 0

Lima was the site of the night's final qualifier as Peru hosted Ecuador.  Ecuador almost conceded an early goal after a wicked deflection.  Peruvian striker Claudio Pizarro cut a ball back from the endline the ricocheted off a defender, but the resulting shot was saved on the dive by Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez.  Ecuador must have felt hard done by the goal they suffered a dozen minutes after the opening whistle.  Jorge Guagua had done very well to cut out a cross, but a high deflection sailed slowly over the heads of two well-placed defenders and landed near Peruvian striker Claudio Pizarro.  Pizarro took a touch to turn away from the defenders and then side-volleyed to the far post for a remarkable goal.  The luck nearly evened out as a cross from Joao Rojas was deflected goalward, but an alert Raul Fernandez in goal for Peru was able to cut across his momentum to parry the ball out for a corner kick.  Peru led 1-0 at the break.

A short corner from Antonio Valencia nearly brought the equalizer for Ecuador, but the turn-around shot was pushed aside at the near post by Fernandez.  Paolo Guerrero (pictured, white #9) hit a shot from twenty-four yards at the upper ninety near post, but Dominguez just managed to get hands to it to knock it out.  With less than ten minutes to play, Jefferson Montero was able to loft a cross onto the head of Cristian Benitez, but his snap header into the turf was scooped cleanly by Fernandez.  Peru were able to hold to a much-needed 1-0 victory that keeps their dreams of Brasil 2014 very much alive.

Argentina 25 pts +16
Colombia 20 pts +12
Ecuador 20 pts +5
Chile 18 pts -12
Venezuela 16 pts -3
Peru 14 pts -3
Uruguay 13 pts -4
Bolivia 10 pts -7
Paraguay 8 pts -14

Goals
Peru
Claudio Pizarro 12

Match Reports:
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/noticia-peru-still-in-world-cup-hunt-after-beating-ecuador-461748.aspx
http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-peru-defeats-ecuador-1-0-in-world-cup-qualifier-100106

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me2xU4tK1s0

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODlvOc5egDg

Mexico 0 - Panama 0

Panama City and upstarts Panama welcomed Mexico into a sea of red-clad fans.  The first half was controlled by Mexico, but the clearest chance was missed into the side netting by Javier Hernandez after a nice endline pass from Javier Aquino could not quite be turned goalward.  The half ended scoreless.

As he was in their home match against Jamaica, Mexico goalkeeper Jesue Corona was the sole reason Mexico escaped with a point on this occasion.  Corona came to the rescue as a well-designed rolling ball from a corner kick allowed Blas Perez (pictured, red) to run on a curl into open space ten yards from goal.  His strike was low and hard, but Corona's quick drop to his left prevented the goal. Roman Torres made a game-saving tackle inside Panama's box with under five minutes to play as he ran down Aldo de Nigris, who had latched onto a long-distance through ball moments before.  The match ends 0-0 with both teams within touching distance of the top of the table.

Costa Rica 7 pts +2
USA 7 pts +1
Mexico 7 pts +1
Panama 6 pts +2
Honduras 4 pts -2
Jamaica 2 pts -4

Match Reports:
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1471563/mexico-struggles-goalless-draw-panama?cc=5901
http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/futbolmexico/id/712?cc=5901

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=404UjgEe7hc

Costa Rica 1 - Honduras 0

Honduras made the trek down south to San Jose to take on Costa Rica.  The two creative minds were out in full force today, with Christian Bolaños directing the give-and-go game for Costa Rica and Boniek Garcia commanding the midfield for Honduras with aplomb.  The host Ticos started out more strongly, but it would be Honduras who nearly scored first.  A nice slalom move on the right side led to a slotted pass through the box, but even the long leg of Jerry Bengston (pictured, blue) could not quite redirect the ball into the goal for the Catrachos.  It would be Bolaños whose playmaking led to a free kick close to the half circle for the Ticos.  The resulting free kick was not handled well off a bounce by Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares, and Roy Miller (pictured, red #19) nodded the rebound softly over Valladares and into the goal for his first international tally.  The goal brought Costa Rica back to life, and suddenly the hosts regained control of the match with improved play.

The second half featured less action, but it is not to be said that Honduras went away softly into the night.  The best chance of the half came when an odd deflection fell to Jerry Palacios in the Costa Rican penalty area, but Palacios fired just over the crossbar.  Honduras could have appeals for a red card to Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas for an attempted punch to the head of a Carlo Costly, who had crashed needlessly into his defender Cristian Gamboa.  Navas stayed on the pitch and recorded a clean sheet.  Costa Rica win 1-0.

Goals
Costa Rica
Roy Miller 25

Match Reports:
http://www.nacion.com/deportes/futbol-costa-rica/Costa-Rica-Honduras-gente-grande_0_1346465431.html
http://www.elguardian.cr/es/Deportes/Costa_Rica_le_gana_a_Honduras/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPyQE2cqCl0

United States of America 2 - Jamaica 1

Kingston featured the rematch between Jamaica and visitors United States of America.  Jamaica had secured their first ever victory over the United States in a qualifier in September 2012 at this very stadium, but the United States were looking to flip the script.  The Americans had fired a warning shot into the post within two minutes after a frenetic scramble led to a Michael Bradley effort that nearly hit paydirt.  United States right winger Graham Zusi pulled a shake-and-go maneuver on Jamaican left back O'Brian Woodside before whipping in a cross to an oncoming Jozy Altidore, who made no mistake with his header as the Americans took a 1-0 lead.  Jamaica almost responded eight minutes later after a clever give-and-go led to a chip through ball from Ryan Johnson to Rudolph Austin, but Austin pushed his shot too far wide and it hit flush off the far post.  The United States were glad to escape the half with their 1-0 lead intact.

The majority of the second half provided less offense than did the first half, but the final two minutes plus stoppage time were quite memorable.  After a Zusi foul, Jamaica had a free kick from the left side of the pitch with one minute to go in regulation.  An Austin free kick was whipped in to eight yards, where Jermaine Beckford found himself open after beating the offside trap, leaving an easy headed finish for the equalizer.  However, in stoppage time, American right back Brad Evans scored his first international goal.  A short corner was played back to Bradley, who sent a short ball to Evans, who had gotten separation from Woodbine.  One touch to settle, a turn, and a shot were all that were needed for Evans to give the United States the final goal.  United States win 2-1.

Goals
United States of America
Jozy Altidore 30
Brad Evans 90+2

Jamaica
Jermaine Beckford 89

Match Reports:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130608/usa-jamaica-player-ratings/
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130608/brad-evans-usa-jamaica/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFVtb4G_pic

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1n_efRDwA (1st half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddaliURmUpE (2nd half)

Chile 2 - Paraguay 1

Paraguay welcomed Chile into their humble abode in Asuncion for their match today.  Chile announced their intentions early on as Arturo Vidal blasted a ball toward the upper ninety from outside the box, but a flying save by Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar was enough to knock the ball back into play off the outside post, from where it was cleared to safety.  With five minutes to go in the half, Vidal saved a ball from rolling out for a goal kick and then passed to Esteban Paredes, who then side-footed a ball to Marcelo Diaz.  Diaz turned and squared a ball to Eduardo Vargas, whose powerful shot found the back of the net from twenty yards out for the opener.  Chile led 1-0 at halftime.

Ten minutes after the restart, Chile were able to double their lead.  Alexis Sanchez hesitated a step outside the box and then played a beautiful chip through ball to Vidal, who managed to flick the ball on goal while performing a feet-first slide.  Chile now had a two-goal lead to see through to the finish.  Chile's three-man backline was holding firm, and the three-man forward line was doing quite some damage.  Paraguay did not go quietly, however.  Edgar Benitez had his goalbound shot deflected just wide of the post, leaving Paraguay to settle for a corner.  Matias Fernandez almost gave Chile a third on a free kick, but Villar was able to push the ball over the crossbar.  Chilean center back Marcos Gonzalez made a terrible pass in his own half straight to Roque Santa Cruz.  Santa Cruz dribbled back on a two-on-two break and finished himself to make the score 2-1.  Chile hold on and win by that 2-1 scoreline.

Goals

Chile

Eduardo Vargas 41

Arturo Vidal 54

Paraguay

Roque Santa Cruz 88

Match Reports:

http://www.santiagotimes.cl/sports/soccer/26280-chile-beats-paraguay-1-2-in-a-comfortable-win

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/17251/8764608/chile-edge-towards-2014-world-cup-after-beating-paraguay-2-1

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmjzYkUkhpA

Full Match Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-HRCpkmdB4

Colombia 0 - Argentina 0

Buenos Aires was the site of the hotly anticipated meeting between the top-two teams participating in CONMEBOL qualifying as Colombia were in town to face hosts Argentina.  Argentina really should have opened the scoring on an early break out.  Angel di Maria sprung the attack with a back heel into space along his wing.  Pablo Zabaleta played a great ball across the six-yard box but two Argentine attackers were carrying too much momentum to adjust to the ball in time.  Carlos Sanchez better be buying his goalkeeper David Ospina dinner for a week after what Ospina did to correct Sanchez's mistake.  Sanchez muffed a clearance inside the Colombian penalty area giving Argentina a point-blank shot at goal.  Gonzalo Higuain kicked a ball right into Ospina's chest, yet Ospina managed to get up to block a Marcos Rojo header off the rebound with a leaping tip save.  A few minutes after Ospina's heroics, Higuain and Colombia's Cristian Zapata were thrown out after exchange of kicks following a collision between Higuain and Ospina.  The half ended at 0-0.

The fact that the two teams were down to ten men completely ruined the match, and absolutely nothing happened in the second period.  This match mercifully ends, and the score is 0-0.

Match Reports:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-argentina-held-0-0-colombia-despite-messi-005109678.html
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/97314/argentina-vs-colombia/report?

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsHK6BXBGKs

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nExX2kxZlKk

Bolivia 1 - Venezuela 1

The pitch in La Paz may never have been in a worse condition than it was on this day as Venezuela paid a visit to Bolivia.  Luis Manuel Seijas playing left back was an odd sight for Venezuela, but the full-time midfielder only committed one poor play and that was when he gave up a free kick from the corner of the penalty area.  The quality of football is usually low in qualifiers in La Paz as it is due to the thin air and the long flight of the ball, but the unavailability of ground passing made this affair a messy one.  Neither team developed anything through the midfield at any point during the match.  The strategy was to send long balls out of defense up top in the hopes of drawing free kicks and corner kicks.  As it was, set pieces did prove the difference in this match.  Venezuelan captain and left winger Juan Arango sent in a booming free kick from over forty yards that led to a nasty rebound that lay on the doorstep for Richard Blanco (pictured, maroon), but he could not convert under pressure from two defenders.  Venezuela had another chance after Arango headed a Roberto Rosales cross into Blanco's path, but Bolivia goalkeeper Sergio Galarza blocked the shot with his chest.  The half ended without any goals having been scored.

Venezuela finally got their goal off a driven corner kick from Cesar Gonzalez that was flicked on by Blanco and seemingly lost no pace on its way to Arango.  Arango headed home to give Venezuela a 1-0 lead that had the team believing that they could finally make it to a FIFA World Cup finals.  In spite of their dominance, Venezuela could not maintain the intensity any longer, and Bolivia enjoyed complete dominion over the affairs in the final twenty minutes.  A corner kick conceded with five minutes to play proved costly to Venezuela.  Jhasmani Campos was completely unmarked in the box, and after Venezuela goalkeeper Renny Vega whiffed on his punch, Campos had a simple headed finish to equalize.  Bolivia went for the victory, but no more goals were to be found.  Ronald Eguino was ejected for Bolivia deep into stoppage time.  The match ends in a 1-1 draw.

Goals
Venezuela
Juan Arango 58

Bolivia
Jhasmani Campos 86

Match Reports:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gzbkAGQjq3b9XvH9ZOYISLooqXXw?docId=CNG.adce2fdad268dcd7e0362f4d68929b84.1001

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6QDd_E6i7s

Portugal 1 - Russia 0; Luxembourg 1 - Azerbaijan 1

Azerbaijan were looking to somehow revive their faltering campaign at home in Baku against Luxembourg.  Azerbaijan nearly had an opener before seven minutes had elapsed when a corner kick was nearly flicked on for an own goal by Maurice Deville, but Luxembourg suffered no harm.  Vagiv\f Jagadov nearly scored off a spin-and-shoot for Azerbaijan midway through the half, but his effort grazed the top of the crossbar.

Just beyond the halfway point of the second half, Azerbaijani captain Rashad Sagidov had a massive shot tipped over the bar by Luxembourg goalkeeper Jonathan Joubert. Two minutes after that, a simple failure to mark finally broke the deadlock.  Elnur Allahverdiyev's cross found a wide open Ruslan Abishov in the area for a simple header under no pressue that lead to Azerbaijan getting the opening goal.  However, Luxembourg managed to get back on level terms ten minutes later.  An impressive finish on a first international goal from Stefano Bensi did the job.  Bensi had to run to his right after receiving a pass in order to evade two defenders, yet his strike across his body had enough power from eighteen yards to do the damage.  Azerbaijan substitute Branimir Subasic was sent off in minute 84 for a studs-up challenge into Mario Mutsch.  Luxembourg could not take advantage in the time that remained, and the match ends in a 1-1 draw.

Lisbon was the home of the marquee clash of the day with Portugal needing a win at home to retain any home of direct qualification over group leaders and visitors Russia.  Miguel Veloso stood over a free kick for Portugal with just under ten minutes having elapsed.  His cross to the back post was kicked in off the post by Helder Postiga, and Portugal had the early lead of which they had dreamed.  This was the first goal conceded by Russia in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  Russia may have been shaken up by two injury substitutions after a half hour of play, but Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio nearly had his net shaken up after a strange play.  Patricio had run very far out of his goalmouth to punch a ball, but the ball fell in play in his own box, and Russia had the net at their mercy.  Dmitri Kombarov's pass to Denis Glusharov was a tad bit too hard, so Glusharov had to try an outside-of-the-foot flick with back to the goal that rolled just wide of the empty net.  Portugal took their 1-0 lead into the locker room.

In the second period, Portugal seemed content to wait on the counterattack which never really came to fruition.  Russia nearly scored off an audacious bicycle kick from Vladimir Bystrov, but the shot sailed over the goal.  Bystrov made a probing run with eight minutes left that produced a cut-back pass to an oncoming Roman Shirokov, but the shot was incredibly weak, allowing the chance to expire.  Cristiano Ronaldo had a couple chances to double the Portuguese lead late in the game on counterattacks, but he was denied.  Portugal were not denied on the night, however, as they win 1-0 and move into first place in Group F.

Portugal 14 pts +6
Russia 12 pts +7
Israel 11 pts +7
Azerbaijan 4 pts -6
N. Ireland 3 pts -4
Luxembourg 3 pts -10

Goals
Azerbaijan
Ruslan Abishov 71

Luxembourg
Stefano Bensi 80

Portugal
Helder Postiga 9

Match Reports:
http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008665/postmatch/report/index.html
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/6/7/4407596/portugal-vs-russia-2013-uefa-world-cup-qualification-final-score-result
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/portugal-1-0-russia-world-cup-qualifying-group-f-match-report-helder-postiga-060713

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxBlS_x2WWE (Luxembourg v. Azerbaijan)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToJzzqNpxd8 (Portugal v. Russia)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rDGTlIzY0A (Luxembourg v. Azerbaijan)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NZwL93Urqc (Portugal v. Russia)

Slovenia 4 - Iceland 2; Norway 1 - Albania 1

Albania looked to complete a six-point haul against Norway, having won away 1-0 in March.  A win in Tirana would see Albania take top shot in Group E.  The match was an open one as both teams looked to seize a rare opportunity to qualify out of a rather soft European qualifying group.  Valoet Rama (pictured, red #20) was a particularly persistent pest up the left wing for Albania throughout the first half.  Rama single-handedly provided the opening goal.  Rama prevented a turnover forty-five yards from goal, turned away from the defender, and dribbled quickly up the pitch into open space.  Once inside the box, he cut across his marked, faked a shot, and then rolled the ball past the goalkeeper at the near post.  It was sheer brilliance, and Albania took a 1-0 lead into the break courtesy of the Rama goal.

Albania were the livelier side to begin the second half with the raucous crowd making its presence felt.  Albanian captain Ervin Bulku crossed a ball into the box that was headed on frame by Hamdi Salihi, but Norway goalkeeper Rune Jarstein made a spectacular save reaching behind his head to tip the ball onto the crossbar.  Norway appeared to be out of ideas on offense, but set pieces can always provide danger to even the best-drilled defenses.  A Norwegian corner was headed into the goal by Tom Hogli to equalize the match with under five minutes to play, and Albania were unable to turn their superiority into three points.  The match ends as a 1-1 draw.

Reykjavik was supposed to be the site for host Iceland to surprisingly leap into first place in Group E with floundering Slovenia coming into town.  Their floundering ways did not travel, however, and Slovenia had the opener after ten minutes of play.  A beautiful backheel flick from Milivoje Novakovic played in Andraz Kirm, whose shot from the half circle blazed a trail into the Icelandic goal. Iceland responded within a dozen minutes of the opener.  Emil Hallfredsson whipped in a cross to the far post to where Birkir Bjarnason had made his run.  The resulting header just barely squirmed under the goalkeeper's hands for the equalizer.  Branko Ilic compounded Slovenia's plight three minutes later by pulling Alfred Finnbogason down by the shirt.  Although the foul occurred outside the penalty area, Iceland were awarded a penalty kick, which they converted for a 2-1 lead.  Slovenia had a dubious penalty kick of their own five minutes later when Kevin Kampl tripped over an Icelandic defender in the box.  After the conversion, the score was 2-2, and it would remain that way into halftime.

On the hour mark, set piece magic was summoned by Slovenia.  A lofted corner was met by the head of Bostjan Cesar, whose route could not be followed closely enough by Helgi Danielsson.  The header nestled itself in the goal for a 3-2 lead to the visitors.  With five minutes left in the match, Novakovic sealed the deal for Slovenia.  He slalomed up the field, in the process both nutmegging and causing Kari Arnason to fall to the ground during his run.  His pass led to a rebounded shot that was then struck home by Rene Krhin to seal the victory.  Slovenia win 4-2, and amazingly Switzerland remain top of the group at the conclusion of the day's matches.

Switzerland 11 pts +6
Albania 10 pts +1
Iceland 9 pts -1
Norway 8 pts 0
Slovenia 6 pts -2
Cyprus 4 pts -4

Goals
Albania
Valdet Rama 41

Norway
Tom Hogli 87

Slovenia
Andraz Kirm 11
Valter Birsa 31 PK
Bostjan Cesar 61
Rene Krhin 85

Iceland
Birkir Bjarnason 22
Alfred Finnbogason 26 PK

Match Reports:
http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008636/postmatch/report/index.html
http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/253608/report
http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008647/postmatch/report/index.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTw41b0ox98 (Norway v. Albania)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV7gP48GylU (Slovenia v. Iceland)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYxq53Ctw48 (Slovenia v. Iceland)