FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Chaco is going to examine South American qualifying for World Cup 2010. SA qualifying format is simple: each team plays home and away versus 9 other teams resulting in 18 total games. One-third of these games have been played and we have the following standings:
1. Paraguay (13 pts)
2. Argentina (11)
3. Colombia (10)
4. Chile (10)
5. Brazil (9)
6. Uruguay (8); Venezuela (7); Ecuador (5), Boliva (4), Peru (3)

So the first four teams advance automatically to South Africa and fifth place go to a home-and-home playoff against the 4th place CONCACAF team.

Most conspicuous in the standing is 5th place Brazil. But remember, Brazil is Brazil. Paraguay is in first and this shouldn't shock anyone familiar with South America. Paraguay has been consistent and solid for the past decade. In my opinion, Paraguay has to be the most underrated and under-appreciated team in the world. The next couple of games will likely rearrange the standings. There are three crucial games coming up next week.

First, Argentina hosting Paraguay in the Estadio Monumental. This is going to be an intriguing match up. Ten-man Paraguay was able to hold off Brazil and win and the Guaranis have plenty of firepower up front. Paraguay have Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn), Salvador Cabanas (America of Mex) and Oscar Cardozo (Benfica). Cabanas and Santa Cruz are totally different kinds of forwards but have played well together and both are in form for their respective clubs. Now, its easy to assume Argentina is just too loaded with Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi. But these two guys must be feeling fatigued by now. There was Copa America and the U-20 last summer, then a long European season, a short offseason, a strenuous Olympic campaign, and now the start of another season. Basile should consider sacrificing one of the players for Tevez. Expect a lot of offense, but few goals.

Second, Chile hosting Brazil. I've mentioned Chile before. This is a young, and really talented team with a solid coach in Bielsa. The offense will rely on Alexis Sanchez (Udinese) and the exciting Humberto Suazo (Monterrey). This game will be in Santiago's Monumental Stadium and Brazil should receive a hostile reception. So which Brazil will show up? Will Dunga be fired by the end of next week? A lot of uncertainty in Brazil. Ronaldinho and Robinho will need to be at their best to dispose of Chile. However Brazil is dangerous when they need to bounce back. Which makes will make this game fun to watch.

Third, Uruguay visits Colombia. Don't be deceived by Colombia's standing. Its from 2 wins and 4 draws. Four goals scored and two conceded. Uruguay has two wins, losses and draws and have scored 15 goals so far. The moment Brazil starts climbing up the standings and asserting itself, these two sides will fight it out for the last automatic spot or even the playoff spot. Colombia cannot afford to drop points at home and Uruguay is going to want to take precious points away from their rival. This match is the high scoring team (Uruguay) versus the least conceding team (Colombia). Should be fun.

This is Chaco on South America. I tried my best. Hopefully there's plenty of drama this coming weekend of qualifiers. Saturday will be a sports-filled weekend. After my Cal Golden Bears play, I have to find a spot that will show the El Salvador-Haiti game. My pops will be there. I'm recording Cuba-USA and Mexico-Jamaica. I wish I can watch Paraguay-Argentina and Chile-Brazil because those are likely going to be great games. Peace out everybody!