FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Messi scores as Argentina defeat Chile
Lionel Messi converted a 16th minute penalty to give Argentina a 1-0 win over Chile in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. With three points from the win, Argentina has reached the third spot in the 10-nation South American group ranking table. They will meet Bolivia in their next encounter on 28 March at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz.
Venezuela, Peru play a 2-2 draw
Peru played a 2-2 draw against last placed Venezuela at Estadio Monumental de Maturin. Mikel Villanueva and Romulo Otero scored two first half goals for Venezuela, while Andre Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero's two goals in second half gave Peruvians their share of points.
Brazil thrash Uruguay 4-1 in top-of-the-table clash
Paulinho scored a hat-trick for Brazil in a 4-1 victory against Uruguay as the top two teams in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers clashed with each other. Edinson Cavani opened the scoring to give Uruguay a lead in the ninth minute. Paulinho scored in 19th, 52nd and in stoppage time, whereas Neymar's 74th minute goal added a boost for the Brazilians.
Colombia defeat Bolivia 1-0
A late goal from James Rodriguez helped Colombia register a 1-0 victory over ninth placed Bolivia. Now placed fourth, Colombia are on a pace to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Paraguay inch closer to qualification after defeating Ecuador
Bruno Valdez and Junior Alonso scored a goal each to earn three points for Paraguay and keep them in fight for direct qualification for the World Cup next year. Paraguay defeated Ecuador 2-1. Valdez scored the opening goal in 12th minute, while the second goal came in the 65th minute from Alonso. Felipe Caicedo scored a penalty in 70th minute for Ecuador.
