BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia and Ecuador sailed toward the 2014 World Cup with important wins on Friday.
Colombia beat troubled Paraguay 2-0 led by striker Radamel Falcao in the 52nd minute and the 89th minute.
Colombia appeared to have good chances of returning in 2014 to a World Cup they have not played since 1998.
Ecuador - who have won their five home games so far in the qualifiers - beat Chile 3-1 to remain well on track too.
Chile had pulled ahead with an own goal from Ecuador defender Juan Carlos Paredes in the 24th minute. The hosts managed a comeback.
Felipe Caicedo scored in the 34th minute and again from the penalty spot 11 minutes into the second half. Segundo Castillo delivered an insurance goal in injury time.
Colombia and Ecuador now top the South American qualifiers, with 16 points in eight matches each, but Argentina could overtake them with a victory later Friday over Uruguay. Chile stand fifth, with 12 points after losing their last two matches. Colombia's Argentine coach Jose Pekerman was quick to tone down expectations.