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Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi at their best: Big Week Recap
It has been a great week for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. While Ronaldo ensured Portugal qualified for the Euro 2012 finals with ease, Messi netted a goal for Argentina at last.
Earlier this week…
Cristiano Ronaldo proves himself against Bosnia
Before the international session this month, Cristiano Ronaldo had netted four goals in four games for Portugal since August - eventually averaging a goal per game for his country. This was enough for the superstar to be proud of his performance at international level; but it was his achievement on November 15 that sent him to another level under his national team’s jersey.
In an UEFA Euro 2012 play-off match where a non-goalless draw would have been insufficient on aggregate, the playmaker made sure his responsibilities were totally assumed. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a thunderous free-kick after only eight minutes against Bosnia-Herzegovina, before netting an easier goal that bagged him a double.
Venezuela vs Bolivia Report
Venezuela moved joint-top of the South American World Cup qualifiers after claiming a 1-0 victory over Bolivia in San Cristobal.
A first-half strike from Oswaldo Vizcarrondo was enough to give Venezuela a valuable 1-0 victory over Bolivia in a tight 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Pueblo Nuevo stadium in San Cristobal on Tuesday. With the win Venezuela reached seven points, the same amount of points as group leaders Uruguay. For Bolivia the defeat means they remain in bottom-place with only a single point.Bolivia, who drew 1-1 with Argentina in Buenos Aires on Thursday, pushed to the attack immediately from the kick-off as they tried to catch Venezuela by surprise, with a long-range drive from Marcelo Martins Moreno.
Venezuela's first opportunity on goal came in the 5th minute, through Juan Arango and a few minutes later he had another chance that flashed wide. Both sides attacked each other in a frantic opening, with Moreno Martins looking particularly dangerous.
Chile vs Paraguay Report
Chile wiped away the memories from their thrashing to Uruguay with a well-deserved victory over Paraguay in Santiago.
Chile returned to winning ways after beating Paraguay 2-0 in front of 45,000 fans at the Estadio Nacional of Santiago on Tuesday. The Chileans, who had been trounced 4-0 by Uruguay on Friday, put on a good display to end doubts over the capacity of Argentine coach Claudio Borghi.It had been a very difficult week for Chile, not only because of their heavy defeat at the hands of Uruguay, but because Borghi had expelled five players from his squad due to acts of indiscipline. However, they didn't allow this to affect them against Paraguay.
Chile started strongly, and looked extremely dangerous each time Alexis Sanchez touched the ball. The Barcelona winger caused havoc for the Paraguayan defense with his pace and trickery on the ball.
Ecuador vs Peru Report
Edison Mendez and Christian Benitez led Ecuador to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Peru in Quito.
Ecuador defeated Peru 2-0 in Quito with second-half goals from Edison Mendez and Christian Benitez. With the win Ecuador moved within one point of South American World Cup qualifying group leaders Uruguay.The match lacked excitement at the beginning, as both teams were locked in the midfield and hardly created any decent goal-scoring opportunities. Ecuador's best chance to find the back of the net arrived five minutes before the half-time break, but midfielder Segundo Castillo couldn't beat Peru goalkeeper Raul Fernandez.
Peru came more into the game towards the end of the half, and almost went ahead with good efforts from Juan Vargas and Jefferson Farfan, two of their most dangerous players. Other than that they were restricted to long-range shots on goal.
Colombia vs Argentina Report
Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero were on target as Argentina rallied to beat Colombia in Barranquilla on Tuesday.
Argentina came from behind to defeat Colombia 2-1 in an action-packed 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Metropolitano stadium of Barranquilla on Tuesday.Both teams came into the match in need of the three points after picking up disappointing results in home games last week. While Colombia drew 1-1 with Venezuela, the outcome of Argentina's match with Bolivia finished identically.
Argentina started strongly, controlling the flow of the game as they tried to dominate their opponents. The Argentines played attractive one-touch soccer, and looked dangerous each time they moved forward, however, their attackers, particularly Lionel Messi, couldn't break through the resilient Colombia defense.
Venezuela vs Bolivia Preview
Venezuela will aim to continue their impressive winning streak against Bolivia when playing on home turf.
Venezuela are expected to grab all three points when they tussle with Bolivia in Round 4 of the South American 2014 World Cup qualifiers at the Pueblo Nuevo stadium in San Cristobal on Tuesday.The Venezuelans, who obtained a valuable 1-1 draw with Colombia in Barranquilla on Friday, take on a Bolivia side that also picked up a 1-1 draw, however, against South American giants Argentina at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.
Cesar Farias, the coach of Venezuela, is expected to make a couple of changes to confront the clash with Bolivia. According to reports he will provide Juan Guerra and Luis Manuel Seijas with starts. After the result with Colombia, Seijas declared that if Venezuela don't claim the three points against Bolivia, the point in Barranquilla "won't be worth anything."
Chile vs Paraguay Preview
Chile will look to rebound from their thrashing at the hands of Uruguay with a tricky test against Paraguay in Santiago.
Chile will be desperate to wipe away the horrible image they left against Uruguay on Friday, when they entertain Paraguay at the Estadio Nacional of Santiago on Tuesday. The Chileans know that anything less than the three points will mount heavy pressure on the squad and in particular on coach Claudio Borghi.The Chileans came into the qualifiers with a strong reputation for playing swift attacking soccer, however, after three rounds of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers they have shown everything but that. Apart from their 4-2 win over Peru in Santiago, they suffered two heavy defeats, 4-1 against Argentina and 4-0 against Uruguay.
Despite this, they come into their clash with Paraguay with high spirits, as they intend to claim a much-need victory that would go a long way in healing some of the pain suffered.
Ecuador vs Peru Preview
Peru's 'fantastic four' will intend to inflict a rare home defeat upon Ecuador in the altitude of Quito on Tuesday.
Both Ecuador and Peru will be after the three points when they clash in Round 4 of the South American 2014 World Cup qualifiers at the Olimpico Atahualpa stadium in Quito on Tuesday. Both teams have started their campaigns with mixed results and will be looking for a boosting win that would steer them closer towards group leaders Uruguay.Having narrowly missed out on the 2010 World Cup, Ecuador are desperate to return to the world stage and in order to achieve this they know that they have to continue to win their home games. Having beaten Venezuela comfortably in Quito in their opening World Cup qualifier, Ecuador are well aware that they are capable of inflicting defeat upon the Peruvians as well.
Colombia vs Argentina Preview
Argentina will be pressured to return home with the three points against Colombia in Barranquilla.
Colombia and Argentina clash in a highly anticipated 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Metropolitano Roberto Melendez stadium of Barranquilla on Tuesday. As is generally the case when both sides meet, the encounter is expected to be very exciting as both have plenty to prove, especially after having claimed highly frustrating home draws last week against teams that they would normally beat.Both teams will be hoping to turn the page on last week's results, to confront a difficult match that could be won by either side. Likewise, both Colombia and Argentina have made modifications coming into the match, with defenders Amaranto Perea and Martin Demichelis, who were responsible for the goals conceded by their sides, out for the game. While Perea will miss the match due to suspension, Demichelis was dropped by Alejandro Sabella.
Paraguay vs Ecuador Report
Paraguay record their first three points of the qualifiers with narrow win over Ecuador in Asuncion.
Paraguay defeated Ecuador 2-1 on Friday to record their first three points of their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion.After a slow and rather ordinary start to the match, as the minutes ticked by Paraguay came more and more into the match, controlling their rivals with dominant passing and aggressive soccer.
Ecuador looked switched off, however, each time Antonio Valencia moved forward he created problems for the Paraguay defense. The Manchester United winger looked very dangerous in an attacking sense, however, often he was provided with little help from his team-mates.
Colombia vs Venezuela Report
Colombia were held to a frustrating draw by Venezuela in a match played under torrential rainfall.
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Colombia could only afford a 1-1 draw with Venezuela in the third round of South American qualifying for Brazil 2014 at the Metropolitano stadium in Barranquilla on Friday. Despite torrential rainfall, Colombia started strongly and went ahead in the 11th minute when after a fine interchange of passes, Freddy Guarin sent a long-range missile into the top right hand corner of Renny Vega's goal. Guarin dedicated the goal to Atletico Madrid striker Falcao, who missed the match due to injury.
Venezuela tried to react after conceding the goal, particularly through Cesar Gonzalez and Juan Arango, who both looked very lively. Colombia for that matter intended to double their advantage and would have done so had Vega not kept out goal-bound efforts from Jackson Martinez, Dorlan Pabon and Teofilo Gutierrez.
Uruguay vs Chile Report
The extraordinary Luis Suarez scores four goals as Uruguay slaughter Chile in Montevideo.
Uruguay hammered Chile 4-0 in the third round of the South American World Cup qualifiers on Friday, with four goals from an absolutely spectacular Luis Suarez. Uruguay proved far superior to their opponents and could have won the match by an even greater difference.Uruguay, who lifted the Copa America for the fifteenth time in July, once again demonstrated why they are currently amongst the best teams of the world. Even without the injured Diego Forlan, Uruguay produced electric attacking soccer, and not once allowed Chile to get into the game.
As was expected, the match commenced with an intense pace as both teams went looking for an early goal. Uruguay looked particularly dangerous each time they moved forward with Suarez and Edinson Cavani being their main danger men.
Argentina vs Bolivia Report
Ezequiel Lavezzi rescues point for Argentina after another dismal display against Bolivia.
Argentina once again demonstrated that they are playing well below their potential, after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Bolivia at the Monumental stadium of Buenos Aires in Round 3 of the South American qualifiers for Brazil 2014.The result was identical to that of the inaugurating match of the 2011 Copa America last July, which also ended in a frustrating draw for Argentina, even if they also came into the match as the overwhelming favourites.
As had been expected, Bolivia set out to play with ten players behind the ball and their plan worked perfectly in the first half, as not even World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi, could break through their rock-solid defense.
Paraguay vs Ecuador Preview
Paraguay will be after their first victory of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador in Asuncion.
Paraguay take on Ecuador in Round 3 of the 2014 South American World Cup qualifiers, with the clear objective to claim the first three points of their campaign. La Albiroja didn't get off to the best start last month, having debuted with a 2-0 defeat to Peru in Lima, before scoring a late equaliser to force a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in Asuncion.Due to those results, Francisco Arce, the new coach of Paraguay, will be obligated to secure a victory against Ecuador. Paraguay have consolidated themselves as one of South America's strongest sides over the years, much due to their hard-working attitude. In the 2010 World Cup, which was their fourth successive appearance on soccer's most important stage, they reached the quarter-finals only to be defeated by eventual world champions Spain.
Colombia vs Venezuela Preview
Despite the absence of Falcao, Colombia are expected to claim the three points when they clash with Venezuela in Barranquilla on Friday.
Colombia will be after their second consecutive victory of the 2014 South American World Cup qualifiers when they take on Venezuela at the Metropolitano stadium in Barranquilla on Friday. Colombia come into the match after picking up a valuable 2-1 victory over Bolivia in La Paz in Round 2 of the qualifiers last month.However, Atletico Madrid star, Radamel Falcao Garcia, who scored the late winner against Bolivia, will miss the match after sustaining a muscle injury in a recent training session, when everything indicated that he would start in Colombia's attack. Falcao will be replaced by Jackson Martinez, who plays for Jaguares de Chiapas of Mexico.
Valenciennes midfielder Carlos Sanchez was also in doubt for the match after suffering a knock to his knee, but since then he has recovered and could well start the game from the kick-off.
Uruguay vs Chile Preview
Uruguay will set out to claim maximum points at home to Chile in a highly anticipated World Cup qualifier.
Uruguay, winners of the 2011 Copa America, will be after their second win of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers when they take on Chile at the legendary Centenario stadium in Montevideo on Friday. Uruguay currently lead the South American qualifying group with four points after two rounds.Uruguayan soccer has been rejuvenated in recent years, with the success of the national team at both the 2011 Copa America and the 2010 World Cup. Uruguay lifted their fifteenth Copa America title, and finished in fourth-place at the World Cup and to add to that they are currently fourth in the FIFA World Ranking. It seems that Oscar Washington Tabarez's side have continued where they left off in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, after crushing Bolivia 4-2 and drawing 1-1 with Paraguay in their first two games.
Argentina vs Bolivia Preview
Lionel Messi will hope to fire on all cylinders when Argentina entertain Bolivia in Buenos Aires on Friday.
Argentina have everything in their favour to pick up the three points when they entertain Bolivia in Round 3 of the 2014 South American World Cup qualifiers at the Monumental stadium of Buenos Aires on Friday. Led by Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, los Albicelestes will expect nothing less than a comprehensive victory against the winless Bolivians.Since Alejandro Sabella was hired as Argentina coach in August, Argentina have accumulated mixed results. After thrashing Chile 4-1 in their World Cup qualifying opener, they lost 1-0 against Venezuela the week after. It was Argentina's first ever defeat to the Venezuelans, and it mounted heavy pressure on Sabella and his squad.
Argentina know that anything less than the three points against Bolivia would be unacceptable, especially after having been held to an unexpected draw by Bolivia in the inaugurating match of the 2011 Copa America, which they hosted. On that occasion they were under the orders of then-coach Sergio Batista.
Venezuela vs Argentina Report
Argentina were brought back to reality after suffering their first ever defeat to Venezuela.
South American heavyweights Argentina suffered a painful 1-0 defeat to Venezuela in the second round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers in Puerto La Cruz on Tuesday. Los Albicelestes returned to their old ways, not playing even close to the way they did against Chile four days ago, when they won 4-1.For Venezuela, it was a historic achievement because it was the first time that they had beaten Argentina in an official match, with the Argentines having won all eighteen encounters between the sides up until now.
The only goal of the match was scored by Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta in the 62nd minute. Venezuela, who are the only country from South America to have never qualified for a World Cup, were well worth their win.
Chile vs Peru Report
Chile proved too strong for Peru with a valuable victory in the second round of South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
Chile claimed a boosting 4-2 win over Peru, in an intense World Cup qualifier played in front of 35,000 fans at the Monumental stadium in Santiago.Claudio Borghi's side rebounded from their heavy defeat to Argentina last week, with a good victory that gives them three points from two games.
Goals from Waldo Ponce, Eduardo Vargas and Gary Medel put Chile in a comfortable position, before goals from Claudio Pizarro and Jefferson Farfan made the game very interesting. However, Humberto Suazo restored Chile's advantage from the penalty spot to put the result completely beyond Peru.
Paraguay vs Uruguay Report
Richard Ortiz stepped up to snatch Paraguay an injury-time draw with Uruguay in a 2014 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
The Paraguayan national team snatched a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Uruguay in a match corresponding to the second round of the South American World Cup qualifiers, looking ahead to Brazil 2014.Olimpia striker Richard Ortiz, who was making his international debut, stepped up in the 92nd minute to level the game, after Diego Forlan had put Uruguay ahead in the 68th minute.
Uruguay, who thrashed Paraguay 3-0 in the final of the Copa America in July, dominated the first half, and looked dangerous each time they pushed forward, especially through Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who was a constant menace to the Paraguayan defense.