Douglas Costa and Arturo Vidal picked up three important points with their national teams on the way to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Julian Green, however, suffered a set-back in World Cup qualification.
Five-time world champions Brazil have taken another step towards the World Cup finals. The Selecao won 2-0 away at Peru on Tuesday to move onto 27 points and extend their lead at the top of South America qualifying. Gabriel Jesús and Renato Augusto scored in the second half for the guests in Lima, with Douglas Costa coming off the bench in the closing minutes.
Uruguay are in second place, four points off Brazil, after suffering a 3-1 defeat at Copa America champions Chile. Edinson Cavani put the visitors in front in Santiago, but Hoffenheim’s Eduardo Vargas grabbed the equaliser just before the break. A brace from Alexis Sanchez in the second half secured the three points for the home side.
Vidal, who was substituted in the 0-0 draw in Colombia, was also taken off just before the hour against Uruguay. Chile are level with Ecuador in fourth place on 20 points. The top four teams all qualify automatically for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, while fifth-place (currently Argentina on 19 points) will have to contest the inter-confederation play-off.
On the other hand, Julian Green and the USMNT suffered a painful defeat in Costa Rica (4-0) and are still without a point in the fifth and final round of North American qualifying. Johan Venegas, Christian Bolaños and a brace from Joel Campbell were enough to send the home side top of the table with six points. Green once again did not feature for the USA.
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