Uruguay took over the lead in South America’s World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign when it beat Paraguay, 4-0, and Argentina had to settle for a 2-2 tie with last-place Venezuela, rallying from 2-0down.
Nicolas Otamendi earned Argentina a point when he equalized in the 83rd minute, but Venezuela almost won in the 89th when Mikel Villanueva hit the post. Argentina wasplaying without injured Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
Edinson Cavani scored twice, and Cristian Rodriguez and Luis Suarez also scored as Uruguay crushedneighboring Paraguay.
Neymar scored in the 74th minute to give Brazil a 2-1 win that moved it into a tie with Argentina for second place with 15 points, one behind Uruguay. It wasthe second straight win under new coach Tite.
Chile’s post-Copa Centenario troubles continued as it settled for a 0-0 tie with Bolivia and is seventh with 11 points.
Standings:
16 Uruguay
15 Brazil
15 Argentina
13 Colombia
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13 Ecuador
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12 Paraguay
11 Chile
7 Bolivia
7 Peru
2 Venezuela