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Wednesday, 12 October 2016

World Cup Qualifiers: Brazil go Top, Argentina Stunned by Paraguay

Five-time champions Brazil surged to the top of the South America 2018 World Cup qualifying Table with a 2-0 victory over Venezuela as their revival under new manager, Tite, continues.
Goals from Manchester City teenage sensation Gabriel Jesus and Chelsea’s Willian secured the vital win, their fourth on the trot, to leave them top of the log on 21 points after 10 games.

It is the first time since the qualifiers began that the Selecao have led the standings and it now looks almost certain that they’ll maintain their incredible record of never having failed to qualify for a World Cup.


However, the acid test of Brazil’s renaissance will come in next month’s Classico against eternal rivals Argentina, who were humbled 1-0 at home by Paraguay.
A whiz-bang counter-attacking goal from Derlis Gonzalez on 18 minutes was enough to secure the priceless win for Paraguay as the Albiceleste once again struggled to cope with the absence of injured talisman, Lionel Messi.

Since Messi’s injury three weeks ago, Argentina have taken just two points from a possible nine in their past three matches.
The defeat leaves Argentina stuck on fifth after 10 games, while Paraguay are now one place behind on 15 points.

Meanwhile, Chile got their qualification campaign back on track with a 2-1 victory over Peru in Santiago.
Chile, back-to-back Copa America champions, desperately needed three points to get back on track after a dismal start to the qualification campaign.
A double from Bayern Munich midfielder Atrudo Vidal secured the crucial win for La Roja who now move within two points of the qualifying places.

Uruguay were held to a 2-2 draw by fourth placed Colombia in an entertaining duel in rain-swept Barranquilla, while Everton striker Enner Valencia netted a brace as Ecuador came from 2-0 down to grab a 2-2 draw with Bolivia.

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