Peru and Uruguay lose key points in World Cup qualifiers
June 15th 2008 05:45
Uruguay and Venezuela could not be seperated
Peru and Uruguay lost opportunities at home as both scrapped to draws in their respective World Cup qualifiers.
Uruguay, in the Centenario, opened the fifth phase of South America's World Cup qualifying campaign as they hosted Venezuela, while Peru were looking for their first win against Colombia.
Venezuela, coming off their first international victory over Brazil, escaped with a valuable point in Uruguay after Ronald Vargas scored the equaliser, taking advantage of an error by goalkeeper Carini to slot home.
Defender Diego Lugano gave Uruguay the perfect start after he headed home to give Tabarez's side the lead.
Uruguay started off the better, playing the opening ten minutes inside the Venezuelan half. Maxi Periera nearly scored the first goal for Uruguay but was denied by a fantastic save by rival goalkeeper Renny Vega.
From the ensuring corner, Uruguay forward Sebastien Abreu headed on to Lugano for the Fenerbache defender to give his side the lead. The goal however, seemed to slow the pace of the game down and Venezuela, despite trailing, started looking the better side.
In the second half, 'los celestes' decided to finish the game off. The home side went about putting pressure on the Venezuelans, crossing the ball into the area when given the chance.
But in a counter attacking raid, Venezuela played up the field beautifully to recieve a freekick right on the edge of the eighteen yard box. Arango forced a strong save from Uruguay goalkeeper Carini but the rebound fell for Vargas to slot home the equaliser for Venezuela. A cold bucket of water for the home crowd.
With alot of heart but little creativity, Uruguay went for victory but it was Venezuela who nearly got the points late on. Carini saved Uruguay a ton of blushes after a potential own goal was saved with his right foot.
Uruguay however also had their chances with five minutes remaining. Vicente Sanchez hit the bar from close range and cost the home side a valuable victory in their quest to qualify for South Africa 2010.
In the today's other game, Colombia escaped Lima with a valuable point after they too drew 1-1 with Peru. Even though the Colombians lost the chance to take the overall lead in South American qualifying, the draw today puts them equal on points with Argentina in second place despite the 'Albacelestes' having a game in hand.
Peru are still yet to win a game in their quest for a spot in South Africa 2010 after they failed to capitalise home advantage against the Colombians. Manager Del Solar's side now has 3 points from 5 games and is on the verge of elimination for World Cup qualification.
Colombia started off perfectly as Hugo Rodallega slotted home to give his side the lead. Peru equalised in the 39th minute through Carlos Marino. The match was played in the Monumental stadium in Lima.
Colombia, who have not qualified for a World Cup since France 1998 looked the more ominous in attack but could not finish the Peruians off. Peru, who have not qualified for a World Cup since Spain 1982, had their chances but could not take advantage of opportunities late in the game to secure the three points.
Today's games leave Uruguay on five points, while Venezuela are on seven. Peru is on three and Colombia is on nine.
Tomorrow's games see ladder leaders Paraguay host Brazil, while Argentina host Ecuador. Bolivia and Chile round off the fifth phase of World Cup qualifiers for South Africa 2010.
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