Argentina and Brazil in particular continue to run their lonely circles in the Eliminatorias. Neymar set up the next win for the Seleçao.
The South American superpowers continue to call the shots in the ongoing qualifiers for next year’s World Cup in Qatar. Argentina took their lead to 25 points with a 1-0 win over Peru (goal by Inter pro Lautaro Martinez, 43) at the El Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, while Brazil, who are also still unbeaten, increased their lead to 31 points with a 4-1 win over Uruguay.
In the Arena Amazonia in Manaus, it was the superstar Neymar, celebrated by the fans with chants, who scored against the Celeste after only ten minutes to make it 1-0 and set up two further goals. Newcomer Raphinha (Leeds United), the Brazilian discovery of these Eliminatorias, shone in the following with the 2:0 and 3:0 (18th and 58th minute). Luis Suarez of Spanish champions Atletico Madrid did manage to score Uruguay’s consolation goal with a fine free-kick (77th) in a reunion with former team-mate Neymar, but substitute Gabriel Barbosa scored shortly afterwards to make it 4-1 (83rd).
Tight race for places
Behind the leading duo, the chasers continue to fight for third and fourth place, which also entitle them to participate directly in the World Cup. The current ranking: Ecuador (17) is third, followed by Colombia (16) – the two teams separated goalless in a direct comparison -, play-off place five would currently go to Uruguay (16), while Chile (13), Bolivia and Paraguay (12 each) have to stretch themselves. Peru (11) are in penultimate place ahead of outsiders Venezuela (7).
On 11 November, the 13th matchday will take place, with neighbours Uruguay and Argentina meeting. Brazil will then host Colombia and can already punch their ticket to Qatar.
