Colombia further from WCup spot, Ecuador secures playoff
By MAURICIO SAVARESE
AP Sports Writer
SAO PAULO (AP) — Colombia needs a miracle to play in the next World Cup, while underdog Ecuador secured at least fifth place in South American qualifiers, which puts the team in an international playoff against an Asian team. Colombia lost 1-0 at Argentina and Ecuador held Peru in Lima 1-1. The two final rounds will take place in the end of March. Brazil (39 points) and Argentina (35) have already qualified. Ecuador has 25 points, three ahead of Uruguay. Peru is now at 21 points in fifth place, with Chile one point behind. Colombia has 17.