Colombia suffered a significant defeat in the South American World Cup qualifying cycle on Tuesday. The formation of national coach Carlos Queiroz lost 6-1 at Ecuador. Chile lost 2-1 on a visit to Venezuela.
Ecuador led 2-0 against Colombia in Quito after nine minutes. Robert Arboleda opened the score in the seventh minute with a shot from the turn and shortly afterwards, Ángel Mena doubled the lead after taking a long pass beautifully.
Even before the break, the home team came to 4-0 via input from Michael Estrada and Xavier Arreaga. James Rodríguez did something back on behalf of Colombia from a penalty just before half time.
In the second half, the Ecuadorians took it a bit slower, but they were still accurate. Gonzalo Plata found the net twelve minutes before the end with a beautiful shot that fell through the post. Two minutes later, the midfielder had to leave the field due to a second yellow card. Arboleda determined the final score in injury time.
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Venezuela celebrates the opening goal against Chile. (Photo: ANP)
Chile down in Venezuela
In Caracas, Chile fell behind Venezuela after nine minutes thanks to a header from Luis Mago. The visitors quickly restored their balance through a ticker from Arturo Vidal.
The game seemed to be heading for a draw, but in the final phase, the Venezuelans still took the three points. Salomón Rondon tapped close from a cross by Yeferson Soteldo and gave his country the first victory in this World Cup qualifying series.
In the night from Tuesday to Wednesday (Dutch time), three more World Cup qualifying matches will be played in South America. Brazil will visit Uruguay, Argentina will play against Peru and Paraguay will receive Bolivia.
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