Cote d'Ivoire 4 - Tanzania 2

Dar Es Salaam and hosts Tanzania faced off with Cote d'Ivoire.  Tanzania struck in the second minute off a long throw-in.  The ball was allowed to bounce by the Ivorian defense.  Souleymane Bamba in central defense blocked a bicycle kick attempt, but Amri Kiemba tapped in the rebound to put the hosts on top 1-0.  The Elephants did not panic at all.  Arthur Boka found the ball with time and space up the left flank, so he easily picked out Yaya Toure.  Toure spun and was in on goal but opted instead to pass laterally across the goal to Lacina Traore, who tapped in for 1-1.  Toure made it 2-1 midway through the half when his short-range free kick bent through the three-man wall to score at the near post.  The Taifa Stars pulled level a dozen minutes later.  Shomari Kapombe made a dash down the left before lacing a desperation cross from the endline back toward goal.  Kiemba flicked it on over the diving Cote d'Ivoire goalkeeper Boubacar Barry, and Thomas Ulimwengu made the uncontested finish when the ball fell to his feet.  Cote d'Ivoire drew a penalty late in the half through Gervinho (pictured, orange), which they would convert for a 3-2 halftime advantage.

Both teams had various chances to further add to the score.  Tanzania looked likelier to do so, but Jean Jacques Gosso in defense for the Elephants did a great job putting out fire after fire.  The final quarter hour was an assault on the Ivorian goal to no avail for the hosts.  It took until stoppage time for the match to finally be sealed.  Gervinho made a soft lay-off pass across the box to fresh substitute Wilfried Bony, who pushed home for a two-goal edge.  Cote d'Ivoire win 4-2 and become the first team to clinch a berth in the CAF Third Round.  Tanzania and Morocco have both been eliminated as a result.

Cote d'Ivoire 13 pts IN
Morocco OUT
Tanzania OUT
Gambia OUT

Goals
Cote d'Ivoire
Lacina Traore 13
Yaya Toure 23, 44 PK
Wilfried Bony 90+3

Tanzania
Amri Kiemba 2
Thomas Ulimwengu 35

Match Reports:
http://www.goal.com/en-za/match/82090/tanzania-vs-ivory-coast/report?#

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grrR35rfJKY

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1g957OK18c&list=PL79m9Jm7_jmAdBjcwvx4Qz9snKynVjJEF

Morocco 2 - Gambia 0

Morocco were at home in Marrakech to face off against Gambia.  The Moroccans used an early goal to calm any nerves they may have felt.  A chip from inside the box from Youssef El-Arabi to Abdelazziz Barrada allowed Barrada to turn and shake off three defenders before firing home for the opening goal of the match.  Morocco nearly had a second five minutes on, but El-Arabi's blast was saved by Gambia goalkeeper Bubacarr Sanyang.  Gambia proved the more dangerous side for the remainder of the half due to the exploits of attacking midfielder Sanna Nyassi (pictured, red), but they could not find the equalizer in the first period.  Morocco led 1-0 at the conclusion of the half.

Five minutes into the second half, Morocco were vibrant in attack down the left flank.  Barrada slotted a ball to the half circle to an unmarked Younes Belhanda. Belhanda curved a simple shot into the net for a 2-0 lead.  Nyassi would draw a penalty kick for Gambia later on, but Pa Modou Jagne lifted the penalty kick well over the crossbar, and from then on the intensity dropped in the Gambian team.  Morocco win 2-0.

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

Goals
Morocco
Abdelaziz Barrada 3
Younes Belhanda 51

Match Reports:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201306181223.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9lxgp3cBDs

Cape Verde 1 - Sierra Leone 0

Praia was the scene for Sierra Leone's visit to Cape Verde.  Already-eliminated Cape Verde looked the better team from the opening whistle, and they were rewarded for their efforts after a dozen minutes.  Sierra Leone centerback Mustapha Dumbuya tried to do an overhead clearance, but instead he left a jump ball inside his own box.  Heldon Ramos (pictured, blue) won the header against the goalkeeper, and his shot bounced safely into the goal.  The blow awakened the visitors, and they had much more impetus to go forward, but no other goals were to be had in the first half as Cape Verde went into the break with a 1-0 lead to protect.

Cape Verde were sitting back looking onto to hit on the counterattack.  They sprung a two-on-one break that ended with Julio Tavares on goal with only the keeper to beat, but his shot somehow missed the target.  Sierra Leone put together some decent offensive pressure, but nothing too troubling in the end.  The Blue Sharks saw the shutout through to completion.  The 1-0 win lifts Cape Verde into second place in Group B, and it also means that Sierra Leone join them amongst the ranks of the teams eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Tunisia 10 pts +4
Cape Verde OUT
Sierra Leone OUT
E. Guinea 4 pts -2

Goals
Cape Verde
Heldon Ramos 12 (pictured, blue)

Match Reports:
http://www.supersport.com/football/africa/news/130616/Cape_Verde_end_Sierra_Leones_hopes

Highlights:
http://www.footytube.com/video/cape-verde-islands-sierra-leone-jun15-182591

Burkina Faso 1 - Congo 0; Gabon 4 - Niger 1

A game at home to Burkina Faso in Pointe-Noire was the first of two chances Congo would have to clinch the Group E title.  However, a Burkinabe victory would maintain hope not only for Burkina Faso, but also for Gabon.  Congo had the first dangerous attack of the half as an attempted cross tailed away and struck the Burkinabe crossbar before bouncing away.  Congo goalkeeper Barel Mouko nearly gave away a goal by trying to save a high-velocity, chest-high back pass from going out of bounds.  Luckily for Mouko, he was able to block the shot that came from the rebound as Congo avoided disaster.  Fabrice Nguessi led a charge for Congo up the right side.  He slotted a pass to the top of the box, but Burkina Faso goalkeeper Daouda Diakite made a sliding save to his left.  Aristide Bance (pictured, green) scored a goal late in the half for Burkina Faso from eleven yards out, and then struck another ball off the crossbar just before the end of the opening period.  Burkina Faso led 1-0 at the halftime whistle.

Very late in the second half, the Burkinabe nearly doubled their lead.  Burkina Faso pulled out Congo's goalkeeper before laying a ball across the box, but the shot on the vacated net was blocked by a kick save from a Congolese defender.  Nevertheless, Burkina Faso win 1-0 and maintain life in the chase for round three.

If you did not think you would see the day when a player scored a hat trick in a FIFA World Cup match on penalty kicks alone, it is time to update your world view.  Gabon pulled off the odd feat today in a home match against Niger in Libreville.  They did so in comeback fashion, however, as Niger took a lead just before the quarter hour mark through Yacouba Seydou.  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang began his odd penalty kick hat trick with two minutes left in the half, which ended 1-1.

The final ten minutes were an extremely messy affair.  Niger lost Kofi Dankwae to his second yellow card in minute 80, but Gabon countered with an Eric Mouloungui red three minutes later.  Not to be outdone, Niger responded with a straight red to Kourouma Fatoukouma three minutes after that, and suddenly Gabon were at the penalty spot again.  Aubameyang converted to give Gabon a 2-1 lead in a match where they had ten men and their opponents had only nine.  Deep into stoppage time, Gabon scored not once, but twice.  Bruno Ecuele had one from open play, but Aubameyang finished off his hat trick and the match with his third penalty conversion.  Gabon win 4-1.

In a fair world, Burkina Faso would win the group in September with a win at home against Gabon, but the world is not fair so now the Burkinabe will have to pull hard for Niger to get a result against Congo come September.

Congo 10 pts +4
Burkina 9 pts +2
Gabon 7 pts 0
Niger OUT

Goals
Burkina Faso
Aristide Bance 38

Gabon
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 43 PK, 87 PK, 90+8 PK
Bruno Ecuele 90+7

Niger
Yacouba Seydou 14

Match Reports:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22921519

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWErbEyrN14 (Burkina Faso v. Congo)

Botswana 3 - Central African Republic 2

Central African Republic made the trek to Lobatse to face Botswana with neither team having any hope of making it to Brasil 2014.  Nicaise Ozingoni opened the scoring for the visitors, but their bright start looked to be thrown out the window with five minutes left in the half.  Central African Republic were reduced to ten men by a direct red card shown to Ali Calvin Tolmbaye for bringing down Mogakolodi Ngele in the box.  Botswana converted the penalty kick, and the match was all square at one goal apiece at halftime.

Five minutes after the restart, Ozingoni had his brace as the visitors were not yet exhausted from having to cover extra territory with one less player.  Eventually, the disadvantage came back to harm them.  Ngele equalized with a quarter hour left on the lock.  Then, a rebound from a Botswana free kick was knocked in by Ofentse Nato (pictured, blue) to give Botswana a late lead.  Botswana held on to win 3-2.

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

Goals
Botswana
Jerome Ramatlhakwane 41 PK
Mogakolodi Ngele 74
Ofentse Nato 86

Central African Republic
Nicaise Ozingoni 33, 50

Match Reports:
http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=3494
http://www.bloemfonteincelticfc.co.za/articles.aspx?Id=1975424
http://www.mtnfootball.com/international/fifa-world-cup-2014/matches/reports/2013/june/15-botswana-v-car.html

Uganda 2 - Angola 1

Kampala was the site for Uganda's home match against Angola.  Uganda would take the group lead with a victory.  Uganda had the best chance of the first period, but it was a difficult one.  Geofrey Massa tried an audacious chip, but the trajectory was too high and allowed the defense to clear the ball.  The first half ended with no score.

Angola had the opener a dozen minutes after the restart.  Job was left unmarked from the left of the half circle, and he coolly curled his shot in at the far post for 1-0.  With seven minutes to go, a huge stroke of luck leveled the score.  Emmanuel Okwi attempted a cross from well outside the box, but the cross tailed on him and ended up carrying into the net beyond the reach of a befuddled goalkeeper.  Fabricio worsened the effects of the equalizer by being shown a red for Angola in minute 86 after he took down Hamis Kizza, who otherwise was in on goal, leaving the Black Antelopes down a man.  In the final minute of regulation, Uganda took their first lead of the afternoon.  A lazy cross from Okwi found a wide-open Tonny Mawejje at the mouth of goal, and his simple header did the job.  Uganda win 2-1.  As a result, Angola have been eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Uganda 8 pts 0
Senegal 6 pts +2
Angola OUT
Liberia 4 pts -1

Goals
Uganda
Emmanuel Okwi 83
Tonny Mawejje 89

Angola
Job 57

Match Reports:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22918581
http://www.supersport.com/football/uganda/news/130615/Uganda_sink_Angola_to_top_group
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/643995-uganda-cranes-2-angola-1.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kod7G7hQXo0

Sudan 1 - Zambia 1

Zambia had a massive opportunity to stretch their lead over Ghana in the group with a home match today in Ndola against Sudan.  Sudan did win the first meeting in Group D between the sides 2-0, but that result was wiped off the books and awarded as a Zambia victory.  Sudan put in tons of effort defensively to keep the Chipolopolo at bay in the opening half.  0-0 was the score at intermission.

With twenty minutes to go, Zambia took their chance off a set piece.  Christopher Katongo's shot on goal was miraculously pushed aside by Sudan goalkeeper Ehab Mohammed.  Kondwani Mtonga picked up the rebound, faked a pass, dribbled to the side of Mohammed, and chipped a cross across the face of goal.  Jacob Mulenga (pictured, orange, heading ball) headed in to give Zambia the lead.  Sudan won a corner immediately off the kickoff, and then they scored.  Mudathir El Tahir's cross was headed in by Salah Ibrahim to the far post.  Just as quickly as they had taken the lead, Zambia had lost it.  No more goals were to be scored in this match, and it ends 1-1.  In all likelihood, Zambia will now have to win in Ghana in September in order to advance to the third round of African qualifying.  Due to the luck they received to start the group, it seems only fair that they now have to pull off the ultimate trick against their toughest group rivals.

Zambia 11 pts +8
Ghana 9 pts +12
Sudan OUT
Lesotho OUT

Goals
Zambia
Jacob Mulenga 69

Sudan
Salah Ibrahim 70

Match Reports:
http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/sudan-exact-revenge-by-holding-zambia-to-a-1-1-draw-giving-ghana-the-advantage/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMIjHwbD2PE

Libya 2 - Togo 0

Libya's home match against Togo, originally scheduled to take place in Benghazi, was moved to Tripoli for security reasons.  Libya are piecing together their country after a recent civil war, so what better way to represent a new era than by qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup finals?  A win at home would send them on their way, and it would send Togo out of the tournament.  Togo were missing Alaixys Romao and Jonathan Ayite, who refused to come to Libya given security concerns.  Libya took advantage of the unsettled Sparrowhawks early.  Komlan Amewou (pictured, yellow #8) committed a handball in his penalty area, conceding the early penalty kick that Libya would convert for a 1-0 lead.  Amewou's horror show would worsen twelve minutes later when his diving header off a cross found the back of his own net, conceding a second goal to Libya that was completely his fault.  Libya led 2-0 at the half.

An out-of-sorts Togo offered little in the second half to cause the home crowd to worry.  Libya coasted to the finish line on this day.  Libya win 2-0.

Libya 9 pts +3
Cameroon 6 pts -1
DR Congo 5 pts +1
Togo OUT

Goals
Libya
Faisal Saleh 7 PK
Komlan Amewou 18 OG

Match Reports:
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1476545/libya-win-eliminates-togo?cc=5901
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22915071

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU2x-IUWYTE

Namibia 1 - Nigeria 1; Kenya 2 - Malawi 2

Blantyre was the site of the tilt between visiting Kenya and Malawi.  Malawi were looking to improve on their home form, which includes two draws in two chances during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  Malawi's players were threatening to boycott the match over the issue of payment, but the match did take place as scheduled.  Malawi introduced a tactical double substitution, putting the influential Gabadhini Mhango on with twelve minutes left in the half.  At haltime, it was Malawi 0, Kenya 0.

Malawi were ahead in the first minute of play after the restart.  Robin Ngalande put the home side ahead, but Kenya pulled even six minutes later when a ball from Jamal Mohammed was scored by Andrew Murunga.  The host Flames took another lead with ten minutes to go behind a goal by Robert Ng'ambi.  Malawi looked likely to finally record a home victory.  However, an own goal in the final minute of play leveled the affair at two goals apiece.  Moses Chavula was trying to clear a long throw-in but instead directed the ball into his own net.  Malawi could not recover from their set back in the limited time remaining, so the match ends 2-2.  Malawi will now be ruing their lost chance as a Nigeria win later in the day would see Malawi eliminated with a match remaining.  However, if Nigeria fail to defeat Namibia, the final matchday would pit Malawi against Nigeria with the right to advance on the line.

Nigeria made the trip to Windhoek to take on Namibia.  A double save by Namibia goalkeeper Virgill Vries in the opening minute saved the crowd from a rude awakening.  A nifty back heel by Ahmed Musa put Anthony Ujah in with a shot on goal, but Ujah could only direct his ball at Vries.  Nnamdi Oduamadi was next to try his luck, but a scrambling Vries was able to push the ball off the line, from where the rebound was sent well off frame.  Nigeria were in complete control except on the scoreboard.  No goals were scored in the opening period.

Slowly but surely, Namibia began to establish themselves in the second half.  After Musa had just come close, Namibia caught the Super Eagles off guard.  A run by Petrus Shitembi led to a pass to Deon Kavendji that was sent on to Tangeni Shipahu.  Shipahu pushed wide to a running Shitembi, whose cross into the box was turned goalward off a volley by Kavendji to give Namibia the lead.  Nigeria were level six minutes later off a free kick from just beyond the half circle from centerback Godfrey Oboabona.  Vries did not read the ball well and was late to react, allowing the ball to get through his hands.  Nigeria escape with a 1-1 draw.  The result eliminates Namibia and means the September qualifier between Malawi and Nigeria will decide the Group F winner.

Nigeria 9 pts +2
Malawi 7 pts +1
Namibia OUT
Kenya OUT

Goals
Malawi
Robin Ngalande 46
Robert Ng'ambi 80

Kenya
Andrew Murunga 52
Moses Chavula 90 OG

Namibia
Deon Kavendji 77

Nigeria
Godfrey Oboabona 83

Match Reports:
http://www.goal.com/en-za/match/82107/malawi-vs-kenya/report?
http://www.nyasatimes.com/2013/06/12/malawi-draw-kenya-2-2-kaira-own-goal-deny-flames-victory/
http://www.goal.com/en-ng/match/82108/namibia-vs-nigeria/report

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hem3PNu-7Wk (Namibia v. Nigeria)

United States of America 2 - Panama 0

Seattle and its raucous crowd welcomed Panama to a true home-field advantage for the United States of America.  United States were without concussed Jermaine Jones and suspended Graham Zusi.  Panama were without the injured Blas Perez.  Jozy Altidore was taken down in the box by Panama defender Roman Torres, but the correct call for a penalty was not made.  However, the United States did not waste any time sulking and were back at it two minutes later.  Michael Bradley dribbled up the pitch and pushed out wide left for Fabian Johnson, whose one-time pass through the box found an open Jozy Altidore at the back post for the finish.  The Americans took the 1-0 lead into the locker room, but a later surge by Panama made many wonder if the home side would suffer from lack of confidence after the restart.

A quick ball forward from Geoff Cameron after winning a loose ball sprung Eddie Johnson beyond the offside trap of the Canaleros.  Johnson shot around the goalkeeper from thirteen yards to put the Yanks up 2-0.  With ten minutes left in the match, Damarcus Beasley hit the post off a nice lay off from Altidore, saving Panama from further ignominy.  United States goalkeeper Tim Howard came off his line smartly in stoppage time to block a Rolando Blackburn shot and preserve the shutout.  United States win 2-0 and go top of the table in CONCACAF.

USA 10 pts +3
Costa Rica 8 pts +2
Mexico 8 pts +1
Honduras 7 pts 0
Panama 6 pts 0
Jamaica 2 pts -6

Goals
United States of America
Jozy Altidore 36
Eddie Johnson 53

Match Reports:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130612/usa-panama-player-ratings-world-cup-qualifier/?sct=sc_wr_a2
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130612/usa-win-panama-world-cup-qualifier.ap/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbusEx91mXk

Honduras 2 - Jamaica 0

Tegucigalpa and its home support were behind Honduras as last-place Jamaica paid a visit.  Alvas Powell cleared a ball off the line with his head early to spare Jamaica, but the Catrachos had set the tone.  Roger Espinoza received a short corner for Honduras and swung in a cross that was headed back toward where it came by Roger Rojas.  Boniek Garcia (pictured, white) pounced on the ball and put away the opening goal for Honduras ten minutes into the match.  Jamaica goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts was made to parry a low shot by Mario Martinez late in the half. Honduras were up 1-0 going into their locker room.

Ricketts did all he could to keep the flood gates from opening onto the Jamaican goal.  It did not help that defender Adrian Mariappa was sent off for Jamaica due to a second yellow in minute 76.  With two minutes to go, an awful pass intended for Ricketts was played by Daniel Gordon.  Rojas easily picked off the pass and touched around Ricketts before rolling the ball softly into the empty net.  Honduras win 2-0.

Goals
Honduras
Boniek Garcia 10
Roger Rojas 88

Match Reports:
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=45654

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfXnwM-F62Y

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv9u7XSKi2s

Chile 3 - Bolivia 1

Santiago and suddenly surging Chile welcomed Bolivia to town for the final South American qualifier of the month of June.  A Marcelo Diaz close-range free kick brought the best out of Bolivia goalkeeper Sergio Galarza, who made a flying save to tip over the bar.  Chile were lucky to put the first goal on the bar just after the quarter hour mark.  Their cross was initially clipped by Bolivia defender Ronald Raldes (pictured, green), and the inside-out shot by Eduardo Vargas was batted aside by Galarza.  However, Galarza managed only to push the ball weakly into the side netting, and Chile had their opening goal.  Two minutes later, Vargas fought his way around Luis Gutierrez, whose intent was to see the ball out for a goal kick.  Vargas passed to Arturo Vidal.  Vidal's shot deflected off the back of a Bolivian player and off the crossbar, allowing Alexis Sanchez (pictured, red #10) to nod home into an empty net for 2-0.  Fifteen minutes later, Bolivia made a goal appear out of thin air.  Marcelo Martins caused a turnover in midfield.  His pass to Gualberto Mojica led to a long through ball back to Martins, who finished one-on-one with the goalkeeper.  Vidal almost scored on a lofted cross, but Galarza's chest met the ball right after Vidal's scissor kick attempt.  Chile led 2-1 at halftime.

Vidal was once again robbed by Galarza's stunning play after receiving a quick through ball off a turnover.  Vidal could rightfully consider himself to have been deserving of a goal on many occasions throughout this match.  It took until the final minute, but he got what he deserved, powerfully heading home off a Jean Beausejour cross.  Chile win 3-1 and took firm control over one of the four direct qualification places from South America.

Argentina 26 pts +16
Colombia 23 pts +14
Ecuador 21 pts+5
Chile 21 pts 0
Uruguay 16 pts -3
Venezuela 16 pts -4
Peru 14 pts -5
Bolivia 10 pts -9
Paraguay 8 pts -14

Goals
Chile
Eduardo Vargas 16
Alexis Sanchez 18
Arturo Vidal 90

Bolivia
Marcelo Martins 32

Match Reports:
http://www.santiagotimes.cl/sports/soccer/26298-chile-clinches-crucial-3-1-world-cup-qualifier-against-bolivia
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/06/12/uk-soccer-world-chile-idUKBRE95B02O20130612

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXIp7Fu5zWM

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeZUq-hYDk4

Costa Rica 0 - Mexico 0

Mexico City and the frustrated fans of Mexico were hoping to finally see a goal at home in the CONCACAF Fourth Round, having witnesses two scoreless ties previously at Estadio Azteca.  Costa Rica would not mind stealing a point or three on the road.  The Ticos nearly snatched an opener after four minutes, but Joel Campbell could only direct his shot onto the far post, allowing the crowd to breath a sigh of relief.  With ten minutes left in the half, Cristian Bolaños knocked down a Brian Ruiz pass with his back to goal, setting Campbell up for a shot.  Mexico goalkeeper Jose Corona made a nice save and continues to be the only reason Mexico are in qualifying position for Brasil 2014.  The first half ended scoreless.

It would take until the second half for Mexico to register their first decent chance.  Carlos Salcido had come up to support in attack, and he stroked a laser toward the upper ninety, but a flying fist from Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas provided the save.  Mexico centerback Francisco Rodriguez made a long-distance recovery run to slide tackle the ball away from Kenny Cunningham with a three-on-three opportunity about to come to fruition.  The match ends 0-0, the third straight scoreless draw at home for Mexico.

Match Reports:
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1474479/mexico-fails-score-home-again-goalless-draw?cc=5901
http://www.goal.com/en-us/match/97678/mexico-vs-costa-rica/report?

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K2HTJqShLE

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)