2014 FIFA WORLD CUP (FROM THE GROUND UP)

[OliDegu2008]

CONMEBOL.JPG
Matchday 16 - Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Headlines:
*Peru squeaks by Bolivia, stays in good shape with only 2 more match-days left in CONMEBOL qualifying
*Colombia overpowers Paraguay 4-2
*Ecuador and Chile draw even at 2-2
*Behind Sergio Aguero's hat-trick, Argentina smashes Uruguay 4-1

2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS
Argentina	14	9	4	1	31(+19)
Uruguay	14	8	4	2	28(+13)
Colombia	14	8	2	4	26(+8)
Venezuela	14	6	3	5	21 (+2)
Peru	14	4	7	3	19 (+2)
Ecuador	15	3	7	5	16 (-5)
Chile	14	3	4	7	13 (-2)
Paraguay	15	2	5	8	11 (-7)
Bolivia	14	1	4	9	7 (-30)

BLUE = 2014 World Cup Qualifier; GREEN = CONMEBOL/AFC Intercontinental Playoff Qualifier;
RED = Missed World Cup Qualification
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Bolivia vs. Peru
Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz; Attendance: 36,545 (4 p.m. Sunny)
Referee: Carlos Vera (Ecuador)

Bolivia Starting XI
H. Suarez (30)
L. Gutierrez (3) --- A. Cabrera (5) --- R. Raldes (16)
M. Martins (9 Captain) --- R. Cardozo (10) --- L. Mendez (32) --- J. Campos (41) --- J. Chavez (8)
J. Arce (7) --- E. Rojas (8)

Peru Starting XI
R. Fernandez (1)
S. Acasiete (3) --- A. Rodriguez (2) --- C. Zambrano (5) --- L. Advincula (13)
J. Farfan (10) --- A. Carrillo (18) --- J. Vargas (6) --- L. Ramirez (20)
C. Pizarro (14 Captain) --- P. Guerrero (9)

Game Log
4' J. Vargas (Peru) Yellow Card
54' J. Arce (Bolivia) Yellow Card
65' J. Farfan (Peru 1-0)
Result – Peru W 1-0

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Colombia vs. Paraguay
Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla; Attendance: 43,127 (7 p.m Sunny)
Referee: Sergio Pezzotta (Argentina)

Colombia Starting XI
C. Vargas (12)
P. Armero (7) --- L. Perea (25) --- E. Alvarez Balanta (16) --- M. Yepes (3)
F. Guarin (13)
J. Cuadrado (11) --- Falcao (24 Captain) --- J. Rodriguez (10)
J. Martinez (21) --- C. Bacca (17)

Paraguay Starting XI
A. Silva (22)
P. Aguilar (12) --- M. Caceres (3) --- P. Da Silva (14 Captain) --- P. Benitez (24)
M. Estigarribia (10) --- N. Valdez (18) --- C. Riveros (16) --- V. Ayala (5)
R. Santa Cruz (9) --- O. Cardozo (7)

Game Log
25' J. Rodriguez (Colombia 1-0)
34' V. Ayala (Paraguay 1-1)
36' F. Guarin (Colombia 2-1)
41' C. Bacca (Colombia) Red Card
42' O. Cardozo (Paraguay 2-2)
47' V. Ayala (Paraguay) Red Card
59' C. Bacca (Colombia 3-2)
83' Falcao (Colombia 4-2)
Result – Colombia W 4-2

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Ecuador vs. Chile
Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, Quito; Attendance: 32,601 (7:25 p.m. Rainy)
Referee: Héber Lopes (Brazil)

Ecuador Starting XI
A. Dominguez (22)
J. Campos (30) --- J. Guagua (2) --- W. Ayovi (10) --- E. Morante (44)
F. Martinez (20) --- A. Valencia (16 Captain) --- C. Noboa (6) --- J. Montero (7)
R. Ibarra (5)
F. Caicedo (11)

Chile Starting XI
C. Bravo (1 Captain)
E. Mena (2) --- G. Medel (17) --- M. Gonzalez (24)
M. Gonzalez (32) --- D. Pizarro (16) --- C. Jorquero (28) --- C. Aranguiz (20)
J. Beausejour (15)
A. Vidal (8) --- A. Sanchez (7)

Game Log
4' A. Sanchez (Chile 1-0)
13' A. Vidal (Chile) Yellow Card
68' A. Sanchez (PEN) (Chile 2-0)
73' M. Arroyo (Ecuador 2-1)
76' E. Morante (Ecuador) Yellow Card
77' F. Caicedo (Ecuador 2-2)
Result – Draw 2-2

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Argentina vs. Uruguay
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza; Attendance: 50,465 (9:40 p.m. Clear)
Referee: Leandro Vuaden (Brazil)

Argentina Starting XI
A. Orion (12)
P. Zabaleta (4) --- E. Garay (2) --- H. Campagnaro (3) --- M. Demichelis (15 Captain)
L. Messi (10) --- G. Higuain (9) --- L. Biglia (6) --- E. Lamela (24)
R. Palacio (18) --- S. Aguero (20)

Uruguay Starting XI
F. Muslera (1)
D. Godin (4) --- D. Lugano (2) --- M. Pereira (16) --- M. Caceres (22)
C. Rodriguez (7) --- G. Ramirez (18) --- C. Stuani (11)
N. Lodeiro (14)
L. Suarez (9 Captain) --- E. Cavani (21)

Game Log
2' D. Godin (Uruguay) Yellow Card
25' L. Suarez (1-0 Uruguay)
27' S. Aguero (1-1 Argentina)
34' M. Caceres (Uruguay) Yellow Card
38' S. Aguero (2-1 Argentina)
45' R. Palacio (3-1 Argentina)
63' S. Aguero (4-1 Argentina)
Result – Argentina W 4-1


####Matchday 17 fixtures --- October 11, 2013
Bolivia vs. Colombia
Chile vs. Peru
Paraguay vs. Uruguay
Venezuela vs. Argentina
Off: Ecuador

[OliDegu2008]

CONMEBOL.JPG
Matchday 17 - Friday, October 11, 2013

Headlines:
*Bolivia gets beat at home, surprise, surprise by Colombia 2-0
*Chile inches back towards the 5 spot with a 2-0 win against Peru
*Paraguay ends it 2014 WC campaign with a 2-1 defeat of Uruguay
*Argentina picks up 2 red cards but still manages to beat Venezuela on the road 1-0

2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS
Argentina	15	10	4	1	34(+20)
Colombia	15	9	2	4	29(+10)
Uruguay	15	8	4	3	28(+12)
Venezuela	15	6	3	6	21 (+1)
Peru	15	4	7	4	19 (0)
Chile	15	4	4	7	16 (0)
Ecuador	15	3	7	5	16 (-5)
Paraguay	16	3	5	8	14 (-5)
Bolivia	15	1	4	10	7 (-32)

BLUE = 2014 World Cup Qualifier; GREEN = CONMEBOL/AFC Intercontinental Playoff Qualifier;
RED = Missed World Cup Qualification
*******************************

Bolivia vs. Colombia
Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz; Attendance: 9,489 (4 p.m. Sunny)
Referee: Carlos Amarilla (Paraguay)

Bolivia Starting XI
H. Suarez (30)
L. Gutierrez (3) --- A. Cabrera (5) --- R. Raldes (16)
M. Martins (9 Captain) --- R. Cardozo (10) --- L. Mendez (32) --- J. Campos (41) --- J. Chavez (8)
J. Arce (7) --- E. Rojas (8)

Colombia Starting XI
D. Ospina (1)
P. Armero (7) --- L. Perea (25) --- E. Alvarez Balanta (16) --- M. Yepes (3 Captain)
F. Guarin (13)
J. Cuadrado (11) --- A. Ramos (19) --- J. Rodriguez (10)
J. Martinez (21) --- T. Gutierrez (9)

Game Log
26' T. Gutierrez (Colombia 1-0)
34' L. Mendez (Bolivia) Yellow Card
57' A. Ramos (Colombia) Yellow Card
67' F. Guarin (PEN) (Colombia 2-0)
Result – Colombia W 2-0

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Chile vs. Peru
Estadio Monumental David Arellano, Santiago; Attendance: 26,975 (4 p.m. Windy)
Referee: Raúl Orosco (Bolivia)

Chile Starting XI
C. Bravo (1 Captain)
E. Mena (2) --- G. Medel (17) --- M. Gonzalez (24)
J. Valdivia (10) --- D. Pizarro (16) --- C. Jorquero (28) --- C. Aranguiz (20)
E. Vargas (11)
A. Vidal (8) --- A. Sanchez (7)

Peru Starting XI
R. Fernandez (1)
S. Acasiete (3) --- A. Rodriguez (2) --- C. Zambrano (5) --- L. Advincula (13)
J. Farfan (10) --- A. Carrillo (18) --- J. Vargas (6) --- L. Ramirez (20)
C. Pizarro (14 Captain) --- P. Guerrero (9)

Game Log
9' A. Vidal (Chile 1-0)
54' A. Vidal (Chile 2-0)
Result – Chile W 2-0

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Paraguay vs. Uruguay
Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción; Attendance: 32,922 (4:30 p.m. Sunny)
Referee: Wilson Seneme (Brazil)

Paraguay Starting XI
D. Barreto (20)
D. Ortiz (38) --- M. Caceres (3) --- P. Da Silva (14 Captain) --- C. Bonet (6)
R. Ortiz (23) --- O. Cardozo (7) --- M. Estigarribia (10) --- J. Fabbro (17)
P. Velazquez (19) --- N. Valdez (18)

Uruguay Starting XI
F. Muslera (1)
D. Godin (4) --- J. Fucile (4) --- M. Pereira (16) --- M. Caceres (22)
C. Rodriguez (7) --- G. Ramirez (18) --- E. Arevalo Rios (17)
E. Cavani (21)
D. Forlan (10 Captain) --- E. Alfaro (32)

Game Log
6' D. Forlan (Uruguay 1-0)
12' E. Alfaro (Uruguay) Yellow Card
43' E. Cavani (Uruguay) Yellow Card
68' C. Riveros (Paraguay 1-1)
76' R. Ortiz (Paraguay) Yellow Card
86' O. Cardozo (Paraguay 2-1)
Result – Paraguay W 2-1

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Venezuela vs. Argentina
Estadio José Antonio Anzoátegui, Puerto La Cruz; Attendance: 35,634 (8 p.m. Windy)
Referee: Roberto Silvera (Uruguay)

Venezuela Starting XI
D. Hernandez (1 Captain)
R. Rosales (16) --- G. Cichero (6) --- F. Amorebieta (5) --- O. Vizcarrondo (4)
F. Aristeguieta (9) --- T. Rincon (8) --- J. Arango (18) --- N. Fedor (7)
M. Rondon (24) --- S. Rondon (23)

Argentina Starting XI
A. Orion (12)
P. Zabaleta (4) --- E. Garay (2) --- H. Campagnaro (3) --- M. Demichelis (15 Captain)
L. Messi (10) --- G. Higuain (9) --- L. Biglia (6) --- E. Lamela (24)
R. Palacio (18) --- S. Aguero (20)

Game Log
45' S. Aguero (Argentina 1-0)
54' G. Higuain (Argentina) Red Card
68' M. Rondon (Venezuela) Yellow Card
89' R. Palacio (Argentina) Red Card
Result – Argentina W 1-0


####Matchday 18 fixtures --- October 15, 2013
Uruguay vs. Venezuela
Bolivia vs. Chile
Argentina vs. Ecuador
Peru vs. Colombia
Off: Paraguay

[OliDegu2008]

CONMEBOL.JPG

The road to the 2014 World Cup is almost over for the CONMEBOL (INSERT sadface)

2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS
Argentina	15	10	4	1	34(+20)
Colombia	15	9	2	4	29(+10)
Uruguay	15	8	4	3	28(+12)
Venezuela	15	6	3	6	21 (+1)
Peru	15	4	7	4	19 (0)
Chile	15	4	4	7	16 (0)
Ecuador	15	3	7	5	16 (-5)
Paraguay	16	3	5	8	14 (-5)
Bolivia	15	1	4	10	7 (-32)

BLUE = 2014 World Cup Qualifier; GREEN = CONMEBOL/AFC Intercontinental Playoff Qualifier;
RED = Missed World Cup Qualification

What we know so far.

In like 'Flint'
Argentina
Colombia
Uruguay

Not this year
Bolivia
Paraguay

In the running
Chile
Ecuador
Peru
Venezuela

Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay have all qualified for the 2014 World Cup. No real surprise there, I know. Paraguay and Bolivia are packing their bags and going home. No real surprise there either, I suppose.

But there is some baby momma drama! Not sure why I exclamated that, but hey, it is all good.

Venezuela enters the final matchday with 21 points. They've qualified for at least a chance to make it to the 2014 World Cup, through the playoff spot at worst --- the first World Cup in its nations history. But whether they qualify outright or to the playoff remains to be seen.
Scenarios -- Venezuela receives an automatic bid if they defeat Uruguay and/or Peru loses/draws against Colombia.
Venezuela qualifies for the playoff spot if Peru wins and they lose.

Peru stands at 5 right now but could possibly take an automatic bid if they defeat Colombia at home in the last matchday of qualification. Peru has stood steadfast all qualification in the playoff spot, but they'd rather have the automatic qualifier status, you know, be part of the cool kids without doing the extra work.
Scenarios -- Peru automatically qualifies if they defeat Colombia and with a Venezuela loss/draw (would need to have greater GD).
Peru will hold the playoff spot with a draw or win.

Chile and Ecuador are on the outside looking in.
Neither team can qualify for the automatic bid, but are in the hunt for the playoff spot only if Peru loses. If Peru draws or wins, both teams are automatically eliminated.

Chile qualifies for the playoff spot with a win and a Peru loss.

Ecuador qualifies for the playoff spot with a win (huge goal difference needed), Peru loss (huge loss), and a Chile loss or draw.
Essentially Ecuador needs to beat Argentina 10-0 and hope for a Peru loss and a Chile loss and/or draw.

Also, it is amazing to me that there is so much in play for the last matchday of qualifying and more amazing is that no team plays each other that is in the hunt for a spot. Better yet, Peru is the only team that is home for its contest. I love it! Who will make it?

Uruguay vs. Venezuela
Bolivia vs. Chile
Argentina vs. Ecuador
Peru vs. Colombia

On we go.....down the road to the 2014 World Cup

Vegas Odds
Chile 28/1
Ecuador 110/1
Peru Automatic spot 50/1 --- Playoff spot 1/5
Venezuela Automatic spot 3/1 --- Playoff spot 1/2

[pfeifere1]

It's all set up for a HUGE Chilean comeback!!!! Goal differential will fall in their favor if results happen, so no need for a huge score line.

[OliDegu2008]

Quote: Originally Posted by pfeifere1

It's all set up for a HUGE Chilean comeback!!!! Goal differential will fall in their favor if results happen, so no need for a huge score line.

It really is insane that all the qualifying comes down to one week for half of the teams practically in the CONMEBOL. Peru has been middle of the pack all year and if Chile can make the miraculous comeback, well it would be one for the ages.

[smpipkin]

Come on Venezuela! First World Cup!

[OliDegu2008]

Quote: Originally Posted by smpipkin

Come on Venezuela! First World Cup!

They've at least got the playoff if they don't qualify outright but how sweet it would be if they qualified outright!

[OliDegu2008]

CONMEBOL.JPG
Matchday 18 - Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Headlines:
*The 2014 CONMEBOL Qualification is over! La Vinotinto surprise the football world, secure its nations first automatic berth with some luck
*Chile & Ecuador both win but it is not enough at the end of the day
*Peru locks in the Playoff berth after a draw with Colombia

2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS
Argentina	16	10	4	2	34(+19)
Uruguay	16	9	4	3	31(+13)
Colombia	16	9	3	4	30(+10)
Venezuela	16	6	3	7	21 (0)
Peru	16	4	8	4	20 (0)
Chile	16	5	4	7	19 (+1)
Ecuador	16	4	7	5	19 (-4)
Paraguay	16	3	5	8	14 (-5)
Bolivia	16	1	4	11	7 (-33)

BLUE = 2014 World Cup Qualifier; GREEN = CONMEBOL/AFC Intercontinental Playoff Qualifier;
RED = Missed World Cup Qualification
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Uruguay vs. Venezuela
Estadio Centenario, Montevideo; Attendance: 51,879 (8:30 p.m. Rainy)
Referee: Antonio Arias (Paraguay)

Uruguay Starting XI
F. Muslera (1)
D. Godin (4) --- D. Lugano (4) --- M. Pereira (16) --- M. Caceres (22)
C. Rodriguez (7) --- G. Ramirez (18) --- N. Lodeiro (14)
G. Castro (26)
L. Suarez (9 Captain) --- E. Cavani (21)

Venezuela Starting XI
D. Hernandez (1 Captain)
A. Tunez (3) --- R. Rosales (16) --- F. Amorebieta (5) --- O. Vizcarrondo (4)
N. Fedor (7) --- T. Rincon (8) --- J. Arango (18 Captain) --- R. Vargas (20)
M. Rondon (24) --- S. Rondon (23)

Game Log
12' D. Lugano (Uruguay) Yellow Card
32' R. Rosales (Venezuela) Yellow Card
53' L. Suarez (Uruguay 1-0)
67' N. Fedor (Venezuela) Yellow Card
Result – Uruguay W 1-0

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Bolivia vs. Chile
Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz; Attendance: 34,389 ( 8:30 p.m. Rainy)
Referee: Alfredo Intriago (Ecuador)

Bolivia Starting XI
S. Galarza (23 Captain)
L. Gutierrez (3) --- A. Cabrera (5) --- R. Raldes (16)
W. Veizaga (6) --- D. Bejarano (4) --- A. Chumacero (13) --- J. Campos (41) --- V. Arze (15)
J. Arce (7) --- M. Martins (9)

Chile Starting XI
C. Bravo (1 Captain)
E. Mena (2) --- G. Medel (17) --- M. Gonzalez (24)
J. Valdivia (10) --- D. Pizarro (16) --- C. Jorquero (28) --- C. Aranguiz (20)
E. Vargas (11)
A. Vidal (8) --- A. Sanchez (7)

Game Log
8' J. Valdivia (Chile 1-0)
81' W. Veizaga (Bolivia) Yellow Card
87' M. Martins (Bolivia) Red Card
Result – Chile W 1-0

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Argentina vs. Ecuador
Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires; Attendance: 32,458 (9:15 p.m. Rainy)
Referee: Víctor Hugo Rivera (Peru)

Argentina Starting XI
A. Orion (12)
P. Zabaleta (4) --- E. Garay (2) --- H. Campagnaro (3) --- M. Demichelis (15 Captain)
L. Biglia (6) --- E. Perez (8) --- J. Mascharano (14) --- E. Lavezzi (22)
A. Di Maria (7)
S. Aguero (20)

Ecuador Starting XI
A. Dominguez (22)
J. Campos (30) --- J. Guagua (2) --- W. Ayovi (10) --- E. Morante (44)
F. Martinez (20) --- A. Valencia (16 Captain) --- C. Noboa (6) --- J. Montero (7)
R. Ibarra (5)
F. Caicedo (11)

Game Log
8' A. Valencia (Ecuador 1-0)
45' J. Mascherano (Argentina) Yellow Card
87' E. Mendez (Ecuador) Yellow Card
Result – Ecuador W 1-0

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Peru vs. Colombia
Estadio Nacional, Lima; Attendance: 34,866 (9:30 p.m. Windy)
Referee: Néstor Pitana (Argentina)

Peru Starting XI
R. Fernandez (1)
A. Saco Vertiz (40) --- A. Rodriguez (2) --- C. Zambrano (5) --- L. Advincula (13)
C. Pizarro (14 Captain) --- A. Carrillo (18) --- J. Vargas (6) --- L. Ramirez (20)
P. Guerrero (9) --- J. Farfan (10)

Colombia Starting XI
D. Ospina (1)
P. Armero (7) --- L. Perea (25) --- E. Alvarez Balanta (16) --- M. Yepes (3 Captain)
F. Guarin (13)
J. Cuadrado (11) --- A. Ramos (19) --- J. Rodriguez (10)
J. Martinez (21) --- Falcao (24)

Game Log
22' A. Saco Vertiz (Peru 1-0)
56' C. Pizarro (Peru) Yellow Card
57' J. Martinez (Colombia 1-1)
80' R. Rudiaz (Peru) Yellow Card
82' A. Carrillo (Peru) Yellow Card
Result – Draw 1-1