(Football news) Uruguay produced a clinical performance as they beat Peru 1-0. Uruguay earned the win over Peru from a goal from Giorgian de Arrascaeta's goal three minutes before halftime. Peru were adamant to qualify and did everything in their power to grab the equaliser as a late looping shot was held by keeper Sergio Rochet who had crossed the goal line but the referee waved away their claims for an equaliser. Peru's defeat meant that Ecuador qualified regardless of their result against Paraguay

It took Uruguay 40 minutes to register their first shot, but as the match progressed they were starting to find some rhythm, and their attacking intentions were clear. Their first real opportunity came when left-back Matias Olivera slipped in Darwin Nunez, who’s cross to the far post was met by Gimenez's stretching shot which subsequently came back off the bar and Giorgian De Arrascaeta slammed home the loose ball. With this result Peru occupied the 5th spot meaning they have to play a match with an Asian team to earn qualification to Qatar this year.

Ecuador sealed their spot at the World Cup finals despite losing 3-1 at Paraguay and while the defeat was not the ideal way to secure qualification but in doing so they have finished as the fourth best side in South America. They have qualified alongside regional powerhouses Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay and have now qualified for the four of the last six finals which is a better record than the likes of Chile, Colombia, Paraguay and Peru. Robert Morales had put Paraguay ahead after just 10 minutes and then an unfortunate own goal from Piero Hincapie on the stroke of half time gave the hosts a 2-0 lead at the break. Miguel Almiron made it 3-0 in the 54th minute before Jordy Caicedo scored a consolation goal for Ecuador in the dying stages. This was Paraguay's first win in eight games but not enough for them to qualify for the WorldCup finals.

Brazil strengthened their position at the top of the CONMEBOL qualification table with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Chile, who failed to qualify for the World Cup finals after a long time. Brazil were in control from start to finish as a Chile victory would have needed a large dose of luck and a flawless display from the former Copa America champions. Any chance of a victory vanished when right-back Mauricio Isla foolishly fouled and brought down Neymar when there was no immediate goal threat as Neymar made no mistake and calmly slotted home the penalty.

Another mistake almost immediately led to Brazil doubling the lead, when Claudio Bravo kicked his goal kick straight to Anthony who’s pass was dummied by Neymar and reached Vinicius Junior, who found space to score his first senior international goal for Brazil. Chile briefly thought they were back in the game after half-time, when substitute Joaquin Montecinos set up Arturo Vidal, but the goal was ruled out for offside. By the end of the match the final scoreline could have been bigger than 4-0, as Brazil rounded off their rout with their attacking strength with goals from substitutes Phillipe Coutinho and Richarlison sealed off an easy win.

Also read: Italy fail to qualify for the World Cup after defeat to North Macedonia