It's still long odds against it happening, but the prospect of Australia having to play off against mighty Brazil for a place at next year's World Cup finals is marginally closer after Ecuador's victory in the latest round of South American qualifiers. Ecuador, which has never qualified for a World Cup, played for most of the game with only 10 men and finished with nine, after two players were sent off. It now has 22points, one fewer than second-placed Paraguay and six behind runaway leader Argentina.
Brazil can move up to second on goal difference, however, if it beats Peru overnight.
Australia will play off against the fifth-placed team for the final World Cup berth. Colombia is fifth on 19points, while Uruguay has 18. FIFA plans to expand the world club championship from 12 teams to 16 to improve the tournament's standing. The Age Company Ltd 2001. Any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.