WCQ 2010: Argentina qualify to South Africa and South America round-up

DIEGO MARADONA’S Argentina are through to the World Cup finals – after a nerve-shredding night in Montevideo.

A late winner from Mario Bolatti gave the Argies a crucial 1-0 win at Uruguay to finish fourth in the South American table and clinch an automatic qualifying spot.

Uruguay, who had Martin Caceres sent off for two yellow cards, will now feature in a play-off match as rivals Ecuador slipped to a 1-0 defeat in Chile.

Madcap Maradona left Manchester City star Carlos Tevez out of his starting line-up – but the Argies still gave a resolute defensive display in an explosive clash.

Peru rounded off a disappointing FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign on a high by posting a narrow win over fellow strugglers Bolivia in Lima.

Johan Fano hit the only goal after 53 minutes but the goalscorer’s night turned sour just two minutes later when he was shown a straight red card. Fano’s early exit levelled up the numbers on the pitch after Bolivia had earlier been reduced to 10 men following the 39th-minute dismissal of Rosauro Rivero for a second yellow card.

Ten-man Brazil preserved their unbeaten home record in 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying as they held Venezuela to a goalless stalemate in Campo Grande. The hosts went a man down after 56 minutes when Miranda was given his marching orders for an apparent elbow on Giancarlo Maldonado, but the Vinotinto failed to make their numerical advantage count as the hosts dug in for a point at Estadio Morenao.

The result meant the five-time world champions had drawn four and won five of their nine home qualifiers as they concluded their successful campaign with 34 points.