Brazil is in; Argentina still fighting for spot
RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil is in, and over the next week three more South American countries will join the five-time champions at the World Cup in Russia.
The fifth-place team from the region will also keep its chances alive, facing a playoff next month against New Zealand. That winner will also advance.
With two matches to play, Uruguay and Colombia are in the best shape to join Brazil at the World Cup. The biggest shock could be twotime champion Argentina, which will battle for a spot against Peru, Chile, Paraguay and Ecuador. Bolivia and Venezuela have been eliminated.
Argentina, the runnerup three years ago in Brazil, has not missed a World Cup since 1970.
Argentina and Peru play Thursday at Boca Juniors' La Bombonera stadium, among the world's most hostile venues for visiting teams. It's the first World Cup qualifier there in 20 years.
Both countries have 24 points, and a victory by either would be a giant step toward qualifying. A slip, and Argentina will have to win the final match in Quito, Ecuador, where the altitude of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) is a burden for visiting teams.
Peru, coached by Argentine Ricardo Gareca, is at home to Colombia in its final game.
Argentina will be without Sergio Aguero for both matches after he fractured ribs in a car accident last week. New coach Jorge Sampaoli has been unable to lift the team, which has drawn its last two matches, against Uruguay (0-0) and Venezuela (1-1).