FIFA WCQ: Brazil’s winning run continues, Argentina now in serious trouble to qualify

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Bolivia beat Argentina 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Image: Twitter @fbf_official

Internet Desk: Two times’ world champion Argentina now in serious trouble to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after a deplorable defeat against Bolivia at La Paz today. A day after their superstar Lionel Messi was banned by FIFA for four World Cup qualifying matches, the famous South American side lost 2-0 to Bolivia and heightened its risk of missing a spot at Russia 2018. Brazil, on the flip side, had a 3-0 win against Paraguay to maintain their dream winning run. Later this morning, as Uruguay lost to Peru by 1-2, Brazil also becomes the first team from South America to qualify for the 2018 Russia World Cup.

The top four in South America earn direct places at the World Cup in Russia next year. Brazil leads with 33 points from 14 matches.

Argentina dropped from third to fifth, remaining on 22 points with four games to play and putting coach Edgardo Bauza under intense pressure to step aside.

While Argentina struggled, Colombia had a 2-0 win at Ecuador, posting its first win in Quito in 20 years and ensuring it will end the round in second or third spot. Ecuador dropped out of the top five for the first time, slipping to sixth with 20 points.

Brazil’s beat seventh-place Paraguay in convincing fashion, extending its streak to eight straight wins.

Also on Tuesday Copa America champion Chile beat last-place Venezuela 3-1 in Santiago and climbed back to fourth spot with 23 points.