Our South American contingent remain well placed to reach the next World Cup as qualification reaches the halfway point, despite having to settle for a pair of draws in the latest round of matches.

Argentina employed Enzo Fernandez at the base of a new diamond midfield as they attempted to respond to a rare defeat to Colombia in their last match in September, but on their trip to Venezuela found themselves battling the elements as much as their opponents.

The heavy rain before kick-off was so severe that the match was delayed by 30 minutes, but the pitch was still badly waterlogged as the game got under way, and Argentina struggled to get their passing gaming going as the ball held up.

It seemed they might overcome those difficulties when returning captain Lionel Messi set up Nicolas Otamendi for the opening goal, but the conditions proved to be a leveller and Venezuela hit back in the second half through Salomon Rondon.

Argentina pushed for a winner, with Fernandez one of several players replaced as they threw attackers onto the pitch for the last five minutes, but it wouldn’t arrive. However, they remain top of the World Cup qualification table, three points ahead of second-placed Colombia.

Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez – who will join Chelsea after his 18th birthday – were both in the starting line-up as Ecuador hosted Paraguay in their qualifying campaign.

However, La Tri were unable to break down their opponents in Quito and had to settle for a 0-0 draw. They had chances, especially in the first half, but found goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez in good form.

After the break, when Paez was withdrawn, chances were harder to find, but Ecuador arguably should have taken the win when Willian Pacho missed a great opportunity with 10 minutes left.

The draw keeps them in fifth place and on course for automatic qualification for the next World Cup – the top six qualify with seventh getting a play-off spot – although they have just a one-point advantage over seventh-placed Venezuela and two points over Paraguay behind them.