The CONMEBOL enters Day 8 of World Cup Qualifications for the first time since September in the last set of qualification games in 2013. The top four has Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay. Chile sits in fifth while Venezuela breathes down their necks. Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay are starting to fall behind as time runs out.
Ecuador vs. Chile 4:30 PM ET
Aside from the Argentina vs. Uruguay match, this match has the most implications for the future of the table. Ecuador is currently sitting in third place with 13 points. However, Chile was in first place heading into their match against Colombia in September. The loss threw them down to fifth place, but with 12 points, a win would put them right back into the top four. In September, Ecuador had a frustrating win over Bolivia 1-0. They dominated play but were only able to score on a penalty shot from Caiecedo in the 73rd minute. Caicedo scored another seventh minute penalty the following game in what turned out to be a 1-1 draw against Uruguay. With just seven goals against, they are one of the better defensive clubs in the CONMEBOL, but their 8 goals scored have them near the bottom in that category.
Meanwhile Chile only played one game in September: a 3-1 loss to Colombia. Chile knows how to score, but unlike Ecuador they have a -1 goal differential and have been subpar defensively.
Prediction: Chile is more potent than Ecuador. However home field advantage cannot be overlooked on Ecuador's end. 1-1 draw.