South American qualifiers marred by more trouble
Reuters - Monday 13 October 2008, 01:49
BUENOS AIRES - Brazil complained of
hostile treatment in Venezuela and three players were sent off
in Ecuador's win over Chile on Sunday to complete a stormy
weekend in South American World Cup qualifying.
The incidents followed Saturday's vicious River Plate derby
in which Argentina coach Alfio Basile said his team had been
given a kicking by opponents Uruguay in their 2-1 win.
Kaka, playing his first international for 11 months, scored
after only six minutes to set Brazil on the way to a 4-0 win in
San Cristobal, restoring normal service after their shock 2-0
friendly defeat by Venezuela in June.
Robinho added two more and Adriano completed the scoring
with his first international goal since the 2006 World Cup as
Brazil overcame what coach Dunga said was a hostile reception.
"When we play away from home in the World Cup qualifiers,
the whole country unites to try and make things as difficult as
possible for Brazil," Dunga told reporters after their 18th win
in 19 matches against Venezuela.
"They left us stuck in the plane for an hour and a half.
Inside the hotel, we also had numerous difficulties during the
night."
Ecuador striker Christian Benitez scored the only goal in
Quito as his team beat nine-man Chile 1-0 to revive their hopes
of qualifying for the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
STIRRED RIVALRY
Benitez had stirred up the rivalry before the game by
describing Chile's attack as weak.
The visitors, who made their last finals appearance in
1998, were in trouble from the 20th minute when defender Ismael
Fuentes was sent off for a late tackle on Joffre Guerron.
Ecuador had Luis Antonio Valencia dismissed in the 76th
minute for a studs-up challenge and he was followed by Chile
defender Gonzalo Jara in the 83rd minute for a second bookable
offence.
The weekend's games completed the first half of the
marathon 18-match South American campaign. The top four teams
qualify directly for South Africa and the fifth plays off
against the fourth side from the CONCACAF region.
Paraguay lead with 20 points, followed by Brazil and
Argentina on 16. The trio already look as if they will
comfortably fill three of the direct places.
Chile (13), Uruguay and Ecuador (12 each) and Colombia (10)
appear to be fighting for the remaining spots. Bolivia (eight),
Venezuela and Peru (seven each) look to be out of the running.
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