Egidio Arevalo Rios went 90 minutes as Uruguay had the opportunity to only need a draw in today’s final CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match vs. Argentina but squandered it with a 1-0 loss at Ecuador on Friday.
With the defeat, the 2010 FIFA World Cup semifinalists still have a chance at finishing in the fourth automatic qualifying spot but would need a to beat Argentina and get some help from Ecuador at Chile Tuesday.
What’s the scenario? In an abbreviated form of “Playoff Math”, Uruguay would need to beat Argentina at home by two clear goals (2-0) and have Ecuador beat Chile by three clear goals (3-0) in Santiago.
If this doesn’t happen, Uruguay can still finish no lower than fifth, which is CONMEBOL’s playoff spot with AFC representatives Jordan.
Down the road, this could be problematic for the Fire if they qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs and advance to the Conference finals as the two-legged Intercontinental playoffs would come between legs 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference decider.
Either way, catch Rios and Uruguay host rivals Argentina LIVE tonight at 6:20pm CT on beINSport, while Chile vs. Ecuador will play at the same time on beINSport en Espanol.
Joel Lindpere and Uruguay
Across an ocean, Fire midfielder Joel Lindpere was an unused substitute in Estonia’s 2-0 loss vs. Turkey Friday in Tallinn.
Already eliminated from qualification prior to the match, Lindpere and Estonia have a chance to play spoiler for Romania’s bid for a UEFA playoff place as they play in Bucharest Tuesday at 1pm CT.
Currently third in UEFA Group D, Romania need to make up a four-goal differential to catch second place Turkey who host The Netherlands today.
Sean Johnson and the United States
Meanwhile, Sean Johnson joined the U.S. Men's National Team following Saturday's 3-2 win at FC Dallas. Johnson joins camp with fellow 'keepers Brad Guzan, who Juergen Klinsmann has already said will start the final hexagonal qualifier and Nick Rimando, who was the third 'keeper in the team's 2-0 win over Jamaica Friday in Kansas City.
The Fire netminder goes to Panama to get another look with the national team ahead of November friendlies at Scotland and Austria.
