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Argentina, Brazil neck-and-neck in World Cup aims

Colombia and Uruguay, two teams in crisis, meet in a match neither can afford to lose while Argentina have a chance to regain the lead from Brazil in South America's World Cup qualifying competition tomorrow.

Colombia, bottom of the 10-team group after losing four out of six games, host Uruguay in the steamy, quiet Caribbean port of Barranquilla.

The Uruguayans have dropped to eighth place after home defeats against Venezuela and Peru and a coaching change in between -- with Jorge Fossati replacing eccentric Juan Ramon Carrasco -- has failed to stop the rot.

Leaders Brazil, who beat Argentina 3-1 on Wednesday with a hat-trick of penalties won and converted by Ronaldo, have a difficult match away to Chile, who go into the clash on the back of away wins in Venezuela and Bolivia.

Argentina, one point behind Brazil in second place, could go back to the top if they beat Paraguay in Buenos Aires and the world champions fail to win in Santiago.

Ecuador and Bolivia, who both pulled themselves back into the race with midweek wins at home, meet in Quito today and Peru complete the line-up when they host Venezuela in Lima tomorrow.

Although Brazil and Argentina look firm favorites to take two South American spots at the World Cup in Germany, this week's results have left the other places wide open.

Only four points separate Argentina, second with 11 points from six games, and eighth-placed Uruguay on seven.

Chile (10 points), Paraguay (10), Venezuela (nine), Peru (eight) and Ecuador (seven) are sandwiched in between. Bolivia (six) are ninth and Colombia (four) bring up the rear,

The top four teams qualify directly and the fifth plays off against the Oceania region winners for another place in Germany in 2006.

Brazil are the only unbeaten team with one third of the competition complete.
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