Barça star Luis Suarez just one step away from the World Cup
Uruguay were the better side against Venezuela but were held to a draw
They need a point from their final game to guarantee World Cup spot
Luis Suarez will have to wait a week before getting his passport stamped for next summer's World Cup in Russia. Uruguay were unable to qualify on Thursday as they were held to a goalless draw by Venezuela.
VEN
0 ________________ 0
URU
LINE UP
Venezuela
Fariñez, García, Chancellor, Villanueva, Quijada; Córdova (Soteldo, 80'), Rincón, Moreno, Murillo (Lucena, 83); Rondón y Martínez (Otero, 69')
Uruguay
Muslera; Pereira, Giménez, Godín, Cáceres; Nández (González, 83'), Fede Valverde (De Arrascaeta, 79'), Vecino, Rodríguez (Bentancur, 65'), Cavani y Suárez
Goles
Sin goles
Árbitro
A.Daronco (Brasil). Amonestó a los venezolanos Villanueva (43') y Rincón (87') y al uruguayo Nández (62')
Campo
Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo (San Cristóbal)
Once they do qualify, though, it will be the first time since 1990 that they have qualified directly for a World Cup. With the current South American system, put in place by FIFA in 1998, they have always made it through the playoffs.
The Barça striker began the game despite the problem with his right knee that will force him to undergo surgery in November.
He played the whole game, but could not score the goal which would seal the win and was even on the end of a nasty challenge in the first half from Villanueva, but he was OK to play on -- as was the Venezuela player, who could have been sent off.
Uruguay, though, should seal their passage next week when they host Bolivia, who cannot qualify.
