Uruguay Still Holds Down 5th Spot In South America
Argentina needs just one more win to confirm its place at the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany after a hard fought 1-0 win over Colombia. Meanwhile of most interest to Australia, is who will be Oceania's likely opponent for the World Cup play-off in November, with our 2002 nemesis Uruguay, still holding down 5th spot.
Australia-s participation in that play-off still has to be determined, as we must overcome the Solomon Islands in September of this year, to be Oceania-s representative.
After 13 games, who that opponent will be for the Oceania representative, is still very much up in the air. Uruguay, courtesy of 1-1 draw with Brazil this morning (AEST), holds down fifth spot on 16 points, but three points separates teams 5-10 with five games to go.
Ecuador (2-2 draw with Peru) holds down third spot on 20 points, while Paraguay (2-1 win over Chile) is in fourth spot on 19 points.
Bolivia-s 3-1 win on Tuesday night against Venezuela, has seen them rejoin the mix and put a big dent in Venezuela-s hopes of qualifying for their first ever World Cup finals. Bolivia however still remains in last spot on 13 points.
South American World Cup Qualifying Standings (after 13 rounds)
Argentina - 28pts Brazil - 23 Ecuador - 20 Paraguay - 19 Uruguay - 16 Venezuela - 14 Colombia - 14 Chile - 14 Peru - 14 Bolivia - 13
Remaining South American Qualifying Matches
June 4, 2005 Colombia v Peru Venezuela v Uruguay Brazil v Paraguay Ecuador v Argentina Chile v Bolivia
June 7, 2005 Colombia v Ecuador Argentina v Brazil Chile v Venezuela Paraguay v Bolivia Peru v Uruguay
September 3, 2005 Uruguay v Colombia Venezuela v Peru Bolivia v Ecuador Brazil v Chile Paraguay v Argentina
October 8, 2005 Colombia v Chile Venezuela v Paraguay Ecuador v Uruguay Argentina v Peru Bolivia v Brazil
October 11, 2005 Chile v Ecuador Peru v Bolivia Brazil v Venezuela Paraguay v Colombia Uruguay v Argentina