It took until the final matchday, but South American World Cup 2022 qualification is now settled.
After being at risk of missing out, Uruguay continued their strong finish to qualifying as they wound up third behind Brazil and Argentina.
Speaking of strong finishes, the Selecao scored their third straight 4-0 win to set a new qualifying points record and still have one game to spare.
Meanwhile, Peru held off the last-ditch challenge of Colombia to clinch fifth place and the inter-confederation play-off spot.
Read on below as SBOTOP shares the key takeaways from the final full round of South American World Cup qualifiers.
Record-breaking Brazil in strong shape
Let’s start at the top as Brazil put on another ruthless performance with their 4-0 demolition of second-from-bottom Bolivia.
The win was the Selecao’s third 4-0 triumph in a row, and it also saw them set a new points record in qualifying with 45. They could still add to that record tally in their replay against Argentina.
With Neymar surprisingly out of the lineup, Richarlison had the responsibility to lead the Brazilian attack. Former Lyon team-mates Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes were also handed starts in midfield.
Paqueta gave the Selecao the early lead after 24 minutes, and Richarlison all but sealed the win with a goal on the stroke of half-time. Guimaraes got on the scoresheet six minutes after the hour mark, and Richarlison added a fourth in stoppage time.
This latest round of World Cup qualifiers has done Richarlison a world of good. The Everton star struck three times in two games after not scoring for the Selecao since last June – although he did score five times at the Tokyo Olympics – and he will surely be a key player in Qatar.
Brazil are always among the favourites in any tournament they are in, and the World Cup 2022 betting odds will likely have them priced as one of the top teams to beat. Their recent form certainly shows they are in strong shape at the moment and could once again be serious contenders for the crown come November.
Uruguay coaching change proves crucial
Uruguay’s decision to sack veteran coach Oscar Tabarez in November of last year was a tough one. After all, the 75-year-old had been so successful in his record-setting 15-year spell as national team boss. He led La Celeste to a semi-final run in the 2010 World Cup and a Copa America title in 2011.
But that decision to finally move on from Tabarez proved to be the right one as Uruguay’s World Cup 2022 results saw a terrific turnaround upon the arrival of new coach Diego Alonso.
Powered by the new manager bounce, La Celeste closed out their qualifying campaign with four wins in a row, including a 2-0 win over Chile in their finale, to finish third in the standings.
With the exception of a few new faces in Darwin Nunez, Ronald Araujo and Facundo Pellistri, Uruguay are still composed mostly of the same old core players led by Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Diego Godin.
But the change in coach was just the change they needed to play up to their immense potential in qualifying. They will be a dangerous foe for any nation to face in Qatar.
Colombia comeback too late as Peru claim play-off spot
After back-to-back trips to the World Cup knockout rounds – including a quarter-final run in 2014 – Colombia will not be making it to Qatar.
La Tricolor fell one point short of fifth place and the inter-confederation play-off despite winning their last two games against bottom sides Bolivia and Venezuela. Those wins were too little too late as Los Cafeteros squandered several chances to pick up more points earlier in qualifying. Their eight draws were the most in South America.
It’s a disappointing blow for a nation that possesses such impressive world-class talent, with James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, Juan Cuadrado, and Duvan Zapata to name just a few. But their qualifying campaign was marred by dysfunction. Coach Reinaldo Rueda must take responsibility for his inability to get the most out of his talented squad, and he will most likely pay with his job.
By comparison, Peru do not possess any notable names playing in any of Europe’s top leagues. But thanks to their impressive teamwork and determination, they could be headed to their second World Cup in a row if they prevail in the play-off against their opponents from the AFC.
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