Uruguay keeps sight of the World Cup after a big win over Venezuela

The game was decided before half time after goals from Rodrigo Betancur, Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Edinson Cavani. Luis Suárez saw a penalty stopped shortly after the restart, but he was allowed to re-create and then hit the target. Venezuelan star Josef Martinez did something in return for Venezuela after just over an hour, which had no chance for Qatar after just a few rounds in the South American qualifying battle.

It was Uruguay’s second win in a row under new coach Diego Alonso. He is the successor of Oscar Tabárez, who was at the helm of ‘La Celeste’ for more than 15 years, but was fired in November last year due to disappointing results.

Uruguay is now fourth in the group, with the first four qualifying directly. The number five will play another play-off against an Asian country. Uruguay has 22 points with two games to go, one more than Peru, which drew 1-1 against number three Ecuador. That country is therefore certainly in fifth place. Chile, which recorded a crucial 3-2 win in Bolivia, has 19 points. During the penultimate round on March 24, Uruguay and Peru will meet in Montevideo, five days later Suárez’s team will visit Chile.

Brazil and number two Argentina, both already qualified for the World Cup, won their matches. The Divine Canaries defeated Paraguay 4-0 in Belo Horizonte by hits from Raphinha, the returnee Philippe Coutinho, Antony and Rodrygo. The goal from Ajax player Antony, who came into the team for Vinicius Jr. fifteen minutes after the break, was beautiful. With his left leg he curled the ball into the far corner behind Paraguayan goalkeeper Antony Silva five minutes before the end from slightly outside the penalty area.

Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in Córdoba through a goal from Lautaro Martínez before half-time. Colombia is almost certainly eliminated from the World Cup due to the defeat.