Venezuela 1 - Ecuador 0; Argentina win; Paraguay tie Perú

Venezuela became the first country to win a road match in Quito in over six years with a stunning 1-0 victory over Ecuador. Ecuador had gone undefeated at home in its previous qualifying campaign and had defeated Venezuela 2-0 in each of the last two qualifcation cycles. That all changed with one 45-yard blast off of a free kick by a Venezuelan defender, José Manuel Rey. It was the first time that Venezuela had ever scored a goal in Ecuador during World Cup qualifying, and it was also the first time that Venezuela had not lost its qualifying opener. Ecuador will try again on the 17th. Venezuela plays on the 16th against Argentina.

Argentina came out with a strong first half and took a 2-0 lead into halftime at home against Chile. Riquelme was the man to put both into the net. They held on by the same advantage to win the game, although they held a one-man advantage for much of the second half after Chile's Álvarez was red carded. Chile plays again on the 17th.

"In South America, we are at the tail end. That's our reality." - José del Solar, Peruvian coach

Perú, shockingly, was able to pick up one point at home against favored Paraguay with a scoreless draw despite being outshot twelve to four. Roque Santa Cruz missed the match for Paraguay and will also miss his country's next match. Both teams resume action on the 17th.

Goal scorers:
Argentina: Riquelme 27, 45

Venezuela: Rey 67