Late drama for Ecuador, Colombia secures World Cup qualifying draws
A late brace from Enner Valencia brought Ecuador back and salvaged a 2-2 draw vs. Bolivia, while Yerry Mina matched Luis Suarez's late strike to lift Colombia to a 2-2 draw vs. Uruguay in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
Ecuador fell behind to a tremendous goal from Pablo Escobar, who laced a left-footed blast from long range in the third minute. He added his second just before halftime, seemingly putting Bolivia on its way.
ICYMI: Two golazos from Pablo Escobar as he gives @FBF_futbol lead after 45. #beINCONMEBOL https://t.co/kk7Q3StEvg
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) October 11, 2016
But Valencia, playing days after he escaped police by faking an injury and exiting a stadium in an ambulance over a child support payment dispute, scored twice in the second half, netting the equalizer in the 89th minute.
No time wasted in 2nd half as @FEFecuador get right back into the game thanks to @EnnerValencia14. 2-1 #beINCONMEBOL https://t.co/XMHlFdaOoz
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) October 11, 2016
GOOOOAAALLL!!@FEFecuador ties the game at the death. @EnnerValencia14 again with the goal. 2-2. #beINCONMEBOL https://t.co/PtmUHS27Zj
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) October 11, 2016
In Colombia, Mina's 84th-minute equalizer came after Suarez appeared to put Uruguay in position to win for a seventh time in 10 matches. The Barcelona star scored from a tight angle to the far post to give Uruguay a 2-1 lead in the 73rd minute.
GOAAAL! @LuisSuarez9 with the tightest of angles, finds the net to give @Uruguay the lead #beINConmebol https://t.co/YX81a06rYr
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) October 11, 2016
Mina's flying header salvaged the point for Los Cafeteros, though, who danced their way to a 17th point and a provisional spot in fourth place.
Incredible equalizer from Yerry Mina to bring @FCFSeleccionCol back level with @Uruguay #beINConmebol https://t.co/Yr5uhum21U
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) October 11, 2016
Abel Aguilar and Cristian Rodriguez exchanged first-half goals for the two sides.
The top four teams following the 18-game round robin automatically advance to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The fifth-place team is entered into an inter-continental playoff against the winner of the Oceania region.
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