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June 13, 2013

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Strikers power Latin American trio to crucial wins

STRIKERS Falcao, Alexis Sanchez and Edinson Cavani all scored as Colombia ate into Argentina's lead, Chile notched a second successive win and Uruguay revived its hopes in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

Falcao's early penalty, taking his tally to seven in the competition, put Colombia on the road to a 2-0 home win over Peru that leaves it three points behind leader Argentina with a game in hand.

"Falcao was essential in the first half as Peru was unable to deal with his movement. He makes fantastic runs (off the ball)... the 'Tiger' is phenomenal," Colombia coach Jose Pekerman told reporters.

Cavani struck a fine goal as Uruguay beat Venezuela 1-0 away for its first win in seven qualifiers, lifting the 2010 World Cup semifinalist up to fifth in the nine-nation group, which would earn it a playoff should it maintain the position.

Uruguay leapfrogged Venezuela, a well-drilled outfit looking to take its country to the finals for the first time in Brazil next year, on goal difference with four matches remaining.

Chile benefited from the revived goal instincts of Sanchez and the return after eight years of 33-year-old midfielder David Pizarro in a 3-1 home win over Bolivia that consolidated fourth place behind Ecuador on goal difference.

Ecuador will rue its poor finishing after failing to take more than one goal from an endless string of corners and free kicks in a 1-1 draw with an Argentina side missing Lionel Messi for an hour and struggling in the thin air in Quito.

In two qualifiers this month, Ecuador has picked up only one point and slipped in the standings while Chile, equal on 21 points, is catching up and Uruguay and Venezuela pose a latent threat.



 

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