South American Qualifiers: Heavyweights Colombia and Chile miss out while Peru book play-off spot

Chile and Colombia’s World Cup hopes met a harsh end as both the countries could not make it to the last qualifying spot in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers with Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Uruguay having already qualified. The fifth qualifying spot however went to Peru who will now face either Australia or the United Arab Emirates in the playoffs.

Colombia although victorious against Venezuela 1-0 couldn’t make it due to Peru’s win against Paraguay. Chile on the other hand lost 2-0 lost to Uruguay. Both the nations could have had a chance at going to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar had Peru slipped up but it wasn’t meant to be.

Colombia was in a strong position to qualify but a streak of seven losses without finding the back of the net halted their progress and even victories in their last two matches were not enough. James Rodriguez scored a penalty in their final match against Venezuela but in vain. Colombia will feel a great deal of disappointment and agony having finished on 23 points just a point below Peru. The surprise package of 2014 World Cup, Colombia even made it to the knockout stages in the 2018 edition but couldn’t make it to a 3^rd successive World Cup.

If there was a great disappointment however in the South American qualifiers then that was the Chile National Team. Stacked with experience and talent like Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal and more, they missed out on the World Cup for a second successive time having struggled throughout the qualifying campaign. Their struggles continued even in their final match where world class goals from Fede Valverde and Luis Suarez sent Chile packing home while also confirming Uruguay’s qualification.

Peru advance to the World Cup for the second successive time

Peru ensured a World Cup play-off spot with a 2-0 victory over Paraguay in their last qualifying game. They will now face one of United Arab Emirates or Australia in June to book a place to the biggest stage of all. This is Peru’s second playoff appearance in a row having beaten New Zealand the last time before the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Peru established control for large parts of the game against Paraguay and within five minutes they were in front through Gianluca Lapadula. Their lead was doubled by Yoshimar Yotun just before the half time interval to put the result firmly to bed.

Peru’s dominant display ensured they have a chance to join Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Uruguay as the South American nations in the 2022 Qatar World Cup while the heavyweights Colombia and Chile missed out having taken the qualification race to the last matchday.