Latin Americans book spots in Brazil as line-up takes shape
CHILE, Ecuador and Honduras have taken the number of teams qualified for the World Cup to 21 after they sealed their places in Brazil early yesterday morning.
Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez scored as Chile narrowly beat Ecuador 2-1, ensuring they took third and fourth spots in the South American qualifying group.
Victory over Argentina was not enough to lift Uruguay above Ecuador. They missed out on goal difference and now face a play-off with Jordan.
A 2-2 draw in Jamaica saw Honduras home in the six-team group comprising the Caribbean and Central and North America.
Mexico, who finished fourth in the group, must now play off against New Zealand as 22 teams vie for the remaining 11 places.
Eight European nations will find out their play-off opponents on Monday, while Africa are halfway through whittling 10 teams to five.
WHO’S THERE?
Qualified for 2014 World Cup
Brazil (hosts), Japan, Australia, Iran, South Korea, Netherlands, Italy, United States, Costa Rica, Argentina, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Colombia, Russia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, England, Spain, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras