Minnows fuse Latin powerhouses

In Argentina, the post game analysis was less apocalyptic, although radio and TV commentators all agreed: it was Argentina’s least inspired showing to date it this year’s World Cup qualifying. Against tough Paraguay, Argentina lacked it all: offensive fluidity, flair, and confidence.

Paraguay’s Roberto Acuna and Argentina’s Pablo Aimar each scored second-half goals as Paraguay nothched a valuable point on the road and Argentina struggled to regain its form following its first loss of the year last month to Brazil.

Brazil’s loss was only its third in World Cup qualifying play, and its second this year after last month’s startling 2-1 loss to Paraguay. Following Tuesday’s loss, the future of coach Wanderley Luxemburgo remained uncertain.

For Chile, the win over the 1998 World Cup finalists was a much-needed boost to its dismal qualifying performance thus far. Marcelo Salas scored a goal and assisted on two others to help keep Chile’s hopes of qualifying alive.

And just which is this Paraguayan team that has emerged to make life miserable for the regional traditional powerhouses? Gritty and workman like, Paraguay can only be buoyed by its strong showings against the regional giants. To boot, Tuesday’s tie against Argentina came without goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert, who was out serving a one-game suspension. Paraguay’s back line may be one of the strongest in the region.

Also among those making noise in Solombia, despite fan complaints of erratic play and a lacklustre offence. The Colombians had a 1-0 win over Uruguay on Tuesday to catapult to second place in the standings behind leader Argentina.

In other South American action on Wednesday, Ecuador defeated Bolivia 2-0 on goals by Agustin Delgado and Peru narrowly escaped lowly Venezuela on a second-half goal by Roberto Palacios.

After seven games of qualifying play, Argentina remained atop the standings with 16 points, followed by Colombia with 12. Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay were all tied for third place with 11 points, followed by Chile and Ecuador with 10.

Rounding out the standing’s bottom rung is Peru with eight, Bolivia with five and Venezuela with three.

The top four teams will classify for the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan; and the team finishing fifth with play for a wildcard spot with winner for Oceania zone.