By Paul Sarahs

WITH European qualification – playoffs aside – all but done, attention turns to South America where, with one match day remaining, there’s still plenty to sort out.
Traditionally the toughest confederation to qualify from, with 90 minutes left to play, only Brazil have already confirmed their place at the World Cup next summer in Russia, with heavyweights Argentina, Chile and Colombia along with Paraguay and Peru still in the hunt for two automatic qualification spots and one playoff berth.
Ecuador, Bolivia and Venezuela are the only sides already eliminated after 17 rounds of matches.
Argentina’s issues have been well documented throughout the qualification process – they have failed to score in over 400 minutes and only Lionel Messi has found the net for La Albiceleste in almost a year, despite Jorge Sampaoli’s men having a raft of quality attacking players at his disposal – Dybala, Aguero, Higuain et al.
The permutations are complex, as to be expected with so many still able to make it to Russia.
The scenarios:
Uruguay:
Currently second in the table, two points ahead of Chile and Colombia, three up on Peru and Argentina. They would have to lose at home to Bolivia, Colombia to beat Peru, Chile to win in already-qualified Brazil and Argentina to win in Quito against Ecuador while overturning a goal difference of ten for Uruguay to drop into a playoff spot. See? Told you it was complicated.
Argentina:
There is a real risk Argentina will miss out on qualification altogether or have to contest a cross-continental playoff – or even make it through on the night. To do so Argentina need to win as well as Brazil to get a result against Chile at home and Peru drawing with Colombia or beating Los Cafeteros by a scoreline less than Argentina. The main issue for Argentina is ensuring they give themselves a chance of automatic qualification with a victory in Quito. Easier said than done, though – they’ve won just once in their last 6 visits to the rarified air of the Ecuadorian capital.
Chile:
Twice reigning South American champions Chile will qualify with a win in Brazil. A draw may be enough for La Roja if Colombia and Peru draw or Ecuador get a point or more against Argentina in Quito.
Colombia:
Qualification is relatively straightforward for Los Cafeteros. A win and they’re through but will still qualify if Chile lose to Brazil or Argentina fail to beat Ecuador, whatever their result in Lima against Peru.
Peru:
Los Incas will qualify with a win in Lima over Colombia. Peru will also qualify directly with a draw should Chile lose to Brazil by a scoreline of two or more. If Argentina fail to beat Ecuador and Paraguay don’t beat Venezuela, a draw will also be enough for Los Incas.
Paraguay:
Paraguay need to win and for Chile to lose in Sao Paulo to Brazil and for Ecuador to get at least a point against Argentina.
With the permutations so complex and so much at stake for so many, the last round of qualifiers in South America promises to entertain as only South America can. We are in for an incredible night of CONMEBOL football, however it plays out. (Yahoo Sport)