Colombia bow out and Ecuador consolidate their place at the World Cup in Qatar

Colombia are having a terrible qualifying campaign for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

As expected, both Brazil and Argentina have had no trouble defeating their South American neighbours.

As the matchdays went by, the advantage between the two Conmebol giants and the rest of the teams became bigger and bigger.

Venezuela were also playing the role of underdogs and it was not until the fourth matchday that they managed to win a game. They did so against Chile. The same thing happened to Bolivia, who drew against Paraguay on matchday four, who had drawn with Argentina and had six points at matchday four. But it was a mirage, Paraguay were quickly deflated.

Of the ten teams in the group, excluding the two favourites at the top of the standings who have already qualified and these three who have no chance, there are five countries left for two direct places and a play-off.

Colombia are out of the running after losing first to Peru at home and then to Argentina yesterday. It has been of no use to recover veterans like James Rodriguez who every day justifies more and more his departure from Real Madrid where he only had a good season and the rest to forget and Radamel Falcao who although he is not doing badly in Rayo Vallecano his days in the national team are over.

Chile are still fighting until the end, but will most likely fall by the wayside. They have two games left: the first against Vinicius, Marquinhos, Casemiro, Gabriel Jesus and company. The last one against Uruguay, who will be playing for qualification.

Ecuador have the best chance of joining Brazil and Argentina as they face Paraguay on the same day that Uruguay and Peru, their direct rivals, play each other. A win on that day would give them third place.

Uruguay and Peru will battle it out for the fourth place that gives direct access to the World Cup. The fifth-placed team will play a play-off with a team from another group. Whoever wins on 24 March will take a big step forward on points and goal average.

In summary: Brazil and Argentina qualify and Ecuador are very likely to qualify.

Venezuela, Paraguay and Bolivia do not qualify.

Colombia and Chile will not qualify either, barring a miracle.

Uruguay and Peru will share fourth and fifth place.