South America: Chile and Paraguay on the brink

Chile and Paraguay can secure two more South American places at the 2010 World Cup alongside five-times champions Brazil if they win their qualifiers on Wednesday.

Chile, which reached the finals in 1998, are far from Brazil, which depleted due to suspensions and injuries after qualifying with a 3-1 win over Argentina on Saturday.

Paraguay, looking to reach his fourth successive World are at home to Argentina, who have lost their way by virtue of Diego Maradona, collecting six points from a possible 15.

Kaka, one of four players suspended Brazil, was quoted in the press Argentina saying that three times world champion Argentina should qualify.

"A World Cup without Argentina is not good," he said. "The World Cup must have all the best teams in the world.

If Chile and Paraguay win, will go to the finals in South Africa, leaving five other teams including Argentina's struggle for a more automatic and the playoffs in the 10-group of South American nations.

Even a draw to Chile and Paraguay would be sufficient if Colombia and Ecuador, both seven points behind them, not win on Wednesday.

Paraguay defender Julio Cesar Caceres, who plays for Boca Juniors of Argentina, is back from suspension for the match at the Defensores del Chaco stadium.

"Against teams that have players like Argentina must be prepared to pressure and not let them think," Paraguay's Argentine coach Gerardo Martino said at a news conference Monday...[source]