Colombia and Argentina have qualified for the . Colombia's narrow win over Uruguay in Cali and Argentina's home draw with Peru were enough to see that pair move into an unassailable position inside the top two on the CONMEBOL Women's Nations League standings.
They have thus secured the confederation's two direct berths, in addition to the host nation, although the race for the two available slots in the is set to go right down to the wire.
Venezuela, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru will jostle for those two tickets in next week's final round of action.
Chile goal: Vaitiare Pardo (73) Ecuador goals: Justine Cuadra (36), Nayely Bolanos (80 pen) In the first match under their new coach Eva Espejo, Ecuador upset Chile on the road in Santiago. In the first half, Ecuador's Justine Cuadra capitalised on a defensive mistake to give her team the lead, but with just over a quarter of an hour remaining the hosts equalised through Vaitiare Pardo.
A late Nayely Bolanos penalty though saw the visitors bank maximum points to keep their qualification hopes alive - they sit in fourth, a point ahead of Paraguay - heading into the final day of action, where they will face Argentina. Chile are now eliminated.
Paraguay goals: Claudia Martinez (19, 23, 51, 58), Lice Chamorro (45+1), Griselda Garay (48), Rebeca Fernandez (52), Monserrath Ayala (73)
Paraguayan starlet Claudia Martinez put in a four-star showing in El Alto as a rampant visiting side proved far too strong for hosts Bolivia. 18-year-old Martinez struck twice in either half to help push Paraguay up to fifth, where they are now just a single point off the Play-Off Tournament berths ahead of a final day showdown with Colombia. Bolivia meanwhile remain bottom of the standings and out of the qualification frame.
Argentina goal: Mercedes Diz (75) Peru goal: Cherrie Cox (85)
In a tight and tense match in Lanus both teams lost players to opening term red cards, firstly Argentina's Catalina Roggerone in the 25th minute and then Peru's Gabriela Garcia in stoppage time.
It was another teenage talent that helped book Argentina's progression with 17-year Mercedes Diz, a star at both U-17 and U-20 level, striking with a quarter of hour to play. Cherrie Cox's late leveller wasn't enough for Peru who will need a final day miracle to reach the play-off spots now.
German Portanova's Argentina though are headed for a fifth World Cup appearance and a third in succession.
Colombia goal: Gisela Robledo (14)
In Cali, a fine Gisela Robledo goal, crafted in part by some wonderful build-up play involving Jorelyn Carabali and Leicy Santos, secured Colombia's place at the top of the standings, along with a Women's World Cup ticket. It will be the nation's fourth appearance, and second consecutive qualification. A win against Paraguay on Tuesday would also see them clinch the CONMEBOL Women's Nations League title. Uruguay fought for a way back into the contest after that early strike but an organised Colombian defence kept them at bay; that leaves the visitors sitting second last and already out of the qualification race.
"(I feel) so much happiness. To win again at home is a huge thrill. In the end, we knew Uruguay wouldn't be an easy opponent; their style of play is very physical. We tried to play a clear game, and the important thing is that we won." Leicy Santos, Colombia midfielder
"This is a historic moment for us. The whole team wants to go to the World Cup and see their team at the top. Today we achieved that, and we're so happy. I dedicate this victory to everyone who came to support us and to my family who are there for me every day. Also to my teammates because without them I wouldn't have gotten this far." Mercedes Diz, Argentina forward
As hosts Brazil aren't involved in the qualification process, who qualified as the tournament host, meaning that nine matchdays will be played, in a round-robin format. The top two teams have already secured their spots in the Women's World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams will secure passage to the FIFA Play-off Tournament.
Sources: FIFA Official
