Author: Ellis King

http://gty.im/477917684 The game was a must win for Uruguay if they were to qualify in the top two positions, while a win or draw suited Paraguay’s qualification hopes.  The game was sloppy in the opening stages, with two early bookings for Abel Hernández and Néstor Ortigoza. The opening twenty minutes were uneventful and short in opportunities, highlighting just how tight this game would be. Neither side had established themselves as a fearsome attacking unit, especially the sub-Suárez Uruguay. Uruguay took the vital lead they were hoping for in the 29th minute. A deep corner was met by Atlético Madrid youngster…

http://gty.im/477803646 After the news of Arturo Vidal’s drink-driving incident, many people claimed Chile were in crisis, this game suggested otherwise.  Chile and Bolivia were tied in first and second on four points each. After Ecuador’s victory over Mexico, both sides were confirmed as qualified, it was just a matter of deciding who finished where in the top two. Chile started just as Jorge Sampaoli would have wanted. A long ball over the top was taken down by Eduardo Vargas, before an onrushing Charles Aránguiz slammed it into the back of the net. As you would expect, Chile continued to dominate…

http://gty.im/477810518 Ecuador were in desperate need of a win in order to stand a chance of qualifying, while Mexico also needed a win if they were to avoid relying on a third place qualification.  Ecuador started brilliantly, with Miller Bolaños striking straight at Jesus Corona in the opening minutes. Their strong start continued as they dominated the opening stages. With just under 15 minutes gone Juan Carlos Medina committed a foul, giving Walter Ayoví the platform to curl a free kick just wide. Three minutes later Ecuador had another free kick, but Bolaños was just unable to pick out his…

http://gty.im/477359682 Argentina centre-back Nicolas Otamendi has backed his agent’s claims that the 27-year-old wants to leave Valencia this summer.  Earlier this year Otamendi’s agent Eugenio Lopez spoke with Cadena Ser. “Nicolas told Salvo to his face that he wanted to leave Valencia in the summer,” Lopez stated. “Nico is going to do everything to leave. There are a lot of conversations with clubs that want Otamendi. Nicolas loves everything at Valencia but, if the chance arose to leave, he’d do everything possible to make it happen.” Now Otamendi himself, who is currently playing at Copa America 2015 alongside United stars…

http://gty.im/477600832 Former Marseille striker André-Pierre Gignac has ended speculation of a transfer to a number of Premier League clubs by confirming he has signed for Mexican side Tigres. Transfer news surrounding Gignac had been rife with the likes of Newcastle, West Ham and even Liverpool linked with the 29-year-old’s signature. Gignac, who was a free agent after deciding not to renew his contract with Marseille, took to Twitter to express his delight: https://twitter.com/10APG/status/611590813173198848 Incredible reception, thanks to all the Libres y Lokos (Tigres fans), to the Incomparables and to the city of Monterrey! We are going to do great things…

http://gty.im/477647438 Following on from their shock victory over Colombia, Venezuela were looking to seize a surprise pole position in qualifying for the knockout phase with victory over Peru.  The game started at speed, with Venezuela going close inside seven minutes. Alejandro Guerra’s cross was met by Salomón Rondón, but his poked effort was brilliantly saved by Pedro Gallese. The game took an enormous turn on the half hour mark as Fulham’s Fernando Amorebieta stamped on Paulo Guerrero, seeing him receive a straight red card. The feisty challenges continued to fly in as Josepmir Ballón picked up a yellow five minutes…

http://gty.im/477513036 After a late win against Peru in their first match of Group C, Brazil looked to double their points tally with victory over Colombia, who surprisingly lost to Venezuela in their opening game. Colombia began strongly, dominating the midfield early on as they set out to prove they had learnt  from the defeat to Venezuela. The first real sight of goal from either side came as Carlos Sánchez struck from 25 yards, with the ball deflecting its way past Jefferson’s goal. In the 35th minute Radamel Falcao was fouled by Fred. From the free kick Juan Cuadrado whipped in…

http://gty.im/477354584 Paraguay came in to this game after rescuing a late draw against tournament favourites Argentina and were able build on their strong start by beating Jamaica, thanks to a moment of madness from Duwayne Kerr.  The game began in dull fashion, with twenty minutes passing before we saw the first save of the game. Roque Santa Cruz hit a shot on the turn, but it was straight into the arms of Kerr. Moments later Édgar Benítez’s ball was deflected towards the path of Raúl Bobadilla, who fired just wide on the volley. Santa Cruz had another chance after some fine…

http://gty.im/477373460 A heavily anticipated match-up between reigning champions Uruguay and pre-tournament favourites Argentina proved to be a low scoring affair in La Serena.  Argentina started well with Ángel Di María looking to be in good form, forcing Fernando Muslera into an early save. In the 20th minute Lionel Messi glided past two players before laying the ball to PSG’s Javier Pastore. ‘Flaco’ then shot straight at the goalkeeper. Soon after, Uruguay forced a corner that was eventually nodded just wide by Diego Godín, who should’ve done better. Just before the clock struck 25 minutes Messi swung in a peach of…

http://gty.im/477263802 Many expected a drab affair in the first Group A match of the evening, but both sides did themselves justice in the final third to ensure those expectations were not met.  Bolivia started the game on top as Martin Smedberg-Dalence’s free kick was turned round for a corner by Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez, but the proceeding corner came to nothing. Bolivia’s strong start turned into a superb one as another corner was won, this time Smedberg-Dalence’s delivery was met by an unmarked Ronald Raldés who powered his header into the corner of Domínguez’s goal. Ecuador failed to put their…