SOUTH AMERICA - One q'fying place/one play-off spot up for grabs

14 Oct 2009

Who is already there?
Brazil, Paraguay and Chile have filled three of the four automatic qualification spots in South America qualifying.

So where are Argentina?
The Albicelestes have only failed to qualify once, in 1970 (they did not enter the 1938, 1950 or 1954 tournaments). They have reached every other World Cup and, of course, have lifted the famous trophy twice, in 1978 and 1986. But, with Diego Maradona at the helm, they are in a precarious position with one game to go.

What's the situation?
Wednesday night's Uruguay v Argentina game (kick-off 2300 BST) is effectively a play-off for the fourth and final automatic qualification spot in South America. The winners will qualify or, if it is a draw, Argentina will qualify (unless Ecuador win by at least five clear goals away to already-qualified Chile).

So are Argentina still strong favourites to qualify?
There are many reasons for them to be nervous. Uruguay have been solid at home during qualifying - their only home defeat so far came against Brazil. Argentina have struggled on their travels, their only win coming at Venezuela at the start of their campaign. They have lost their last four on the road, three of those with Maradona as coach. BBC Sport's South America football expert Tim Vickery reckons the result is a tough one to call.

And if they lose?
A play-off berth is their best hope. But it is out of their hands - defeat means a win of any margin by Ecuador will put Argentina out.

Is anyone else in the mix?
In all likelihood, Argentina, Ecuador and Uruguay are battling for the one automatic qualification spot or, failing that, the consolation of a play-off. But fans of obscure mathematical possibilities will note that Venezuela can grab the play-off place if Argentina thrash Uruguay, Chile beat Ecuador and they comfortably beat Brazil, somehow overturning a 15-goal deficit on Uruguay in the process.

What about this play-off?
The fifth-placed team will play the team that finishes fourth in the North, Central America and Caribbean group in a two-legged play-off on Saturday 14 November and Wednesday 18 November.