Argentina’s hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup took a serious dent yet again as the 2014 runners-up got a lucky 1-1 draw against bottom side Venezuela at home.
Jhon Murillo gave the visitors the lead with a close-range finish but a second-half own goal earned Argentina a point.
Lionel Messi’s side are currently fifth in the South American standings with two games remaining. The top four teams will receive automatic qualification while the fifth-placed team will play a two-legged play-off tie against New Zealand.
Brazil, who have already qualified, drew 1-1 with Colombia.
Uruguay moved up to second after beating Paraguay 2-1 while Peru beat Ecuador by the same scoreline to move up to fourth. Sixth-placed Chile lost 1-0 to Bolivia.
Chile, who are one point behind Argentina, host Ecuador before finishing their campaign with a trip to top-of-the table Brazil in next month’s final qualifiers.
Argentina are level on points with Peru, who they host next, before a trip to Ecuador. Peru’s final qualifier is at home to Colombia.
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