Uruguay Still Holds Down 5th Spot In South America

Argentina needs just one more win to confirm its place at the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany after a hard fought 1-0 win over Colombia. Meanwhile of most interest to Australia, is who will be Oceania's likely opponent for the World Cup play-off in November, with our 2002 nemesis Uruguay, still holding down 5th spot.

Argentina needs just one more win to confirm its place at the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany after a hard fought 1-0 win over Colombia. Meanwhile of most interest to Australia, is who will be Oceania's likely opponent for the World Cup play-off in November, with our 2002 nemesis Uruguay, still holding down 5th spot.

Australia-s participation in that play-off still has to be determined, as we must overcome the Solomon Islands in September of this year, to be Oceania-s representative.

After 13 games, who that opponent will be for the Oceania representative, is still very much up in the air. Uruguay, courtesy of 1-1 draw with Brazil this morning (AEST), holds down fifth spot on 16 points, but three points separates teams 5-10 with five games to go.

Ecuador (2-2 draw with Peru) holds down third spot on 20 points, while Paraguay (2-1 win over Chile) is in fourth spot on 19 points.

Bolivia-s 3-1 win on Tuesday night against Venezuela, has seen them rejoin the mix and put a big dent in Venezuela-s hopes of qualifying for their first ever World Cup finals. Bolivia however still remains in last spot on 13 points.

South American World Cup Qualifying Standings (after 13 rounds)

Argentina - 28pts Brazil - 23 Ecuador - 20 Paraguay - 19 Uruguay - 16 Venezuela - 14 Colombia - 14 Chile - 14 Peru - 14 Bolivia - 13

Remaining South American Qualifying Matches

June 4, 2005 Colombia v Peru Venezuela v Uruguay Brazil v Paraguay Ecuador v Argentina Chile v Bolivia

June 7, 2005 Colombia v Ecuador Argentina v Brazil Chile v Venezuela Paraguay v Bolivia Peru v Uruguay

September 3, 2005 Uruguay v Colombia Venezuela v Peru Bolivia v Ecuador Brazil v Chile Paraguay v Argentina

October 8, 2005 Colombia v Chile Venezuela v Paraguay Ecuador v Uruguay Argentina v Peru Bolivia v Brazil

October 11, 2005 Chile v Ecuador Peru v Bolivia Brazil v Venezuela Paraguay v Colombia Uruguay v Argentina