Peru, Colombia and Chile in the race for the World Cup playoffs

Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Uruguay have already secured the four direct South American countries that send to the World Championship "Qatar 2022" held at the end of this year. However, there is also a place to fight for in the last round of South American qualifiers, which takes place on Wednesday.

The biggest prize is the position that sends them into the intercontinental play-off against the fifth-placed team from Asia, with Peru (21 points), Colombia (20) and Chile (19) chasing fifth place in South America.

That playoff match to be played in June is likely to be against Australia, the United Arab Emirates or Iraq. Peru can secure fifth place with a home win against Paraguay. Colombia needs to beat Venezuela and hope Peru doesn't win.

Chile will need to beat Uruguay in Santiago and rely on other results to go in their favour. Leader Brazil is targeting a landmark in Bolivia on the same day. Tite's side can reach the quota of 45 points with a win in La Paz, which would break Argentina's record of 43 points achieved in 2002 World Cup qualifying.

Brazil strikers Neymar and Vinicius Junior are suspended for this match. Meanwhile, third-placed Ecuador hosts second-placed Argentina. FIFA wants Brazil and Argentina to play their September 6 clash, which was called off in the first few minutes due to COVID-19 protocols, until June. Peru is the clear favorite for the fifth place also coveted by Colombia and Chile. Coach Ricardo Gareca's side showed plenty of character in a 1-0 defeat by Uruguay last week.

"We expected to qualify directly for the World Cup, but now we have to do it through the playoffs. In fact, I believe we can finish our qualification in fifth place and then secure the World Cup through the playoffs. We also have the last game, which is decisive, for which I told the players that we must win it," Gareca said.

The Peruvians will be without striker Andra Carrillo due to a knee injury, and will be replaced by Edison Floresi against Paraguay. Meanwhile, defender Jhilmar Lora is expected to return to Garecas for this duel.

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Eighth-placed Paraguay will be without striker Robert Morales, who injured his knee in the team's 3-1 win over Ecuador. If Peru fail to beat Paraguay at home, fifth place will be more in the hands of the Colombians, as they face Venezuela who are bottom of the table and have no goals. Colombia scored their first goals in almost 700 minutes in qualifying with a 3-0 win against Bolivia.

Luis Diaz, who scored one of the goals, is expected to be Colombia's leader in the final match. Veteran winger Juan Cuadrado has been suspended for the game in Puerto Ordaz. Colombia coach Reinaldo Rueda is considering one of Mateus Uribe, Wilmar Barrios and Jefferson Lerma as a replacement.

"We have to focus on the duel we have, block ourselves from other results", said Rueda. "We as a coaching staff don't have to worry about informing them. Not good. The players must be focused and win this duel".