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World Cup Qualifying Rewind: Uruguay, Argentina roll, Canada cruises and more

UruguayBolivia (Getty)

By JOEY SAMUEL

Last summer, Uruguay shocked the world by advancing all the way to the semifinals of the 2010 World Cup. On Friday, they started their path to the next World Cup in style.

Uruguay, which also won the 2011 Copa America this summer, opened their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign in CONMEBOL with a 4-2 win over Bolivia. Luis Suarez put Uruguay up early, only for Bolivia to battle back and equalize. A brace from Diego Lugano and another goal from Edinson Cavani would be enough for Uruguay, though, as they picked up three points to start of a long, grueling qualifying process.

Uruguay's intense rivals Argentina also picked up a convincing 4-1 win over Chile to open their campaign. In South America, all nine teams involved play each other twice for a 16-game schedule that lasts two years, and the Albiceleste have started that process with three valuable points. Gonzalo Higuain led Argentina with a hat-trick.

After the break, read more about CONMEBOL qualifying and find out what happened in Friday's CONCACAF qualifying matches as well.

ECUADOR, PERU START OFF WITH WINS

During the 2010 World Cup qualifying cycle, Peru was the worst team in South America over the length of the competition. On Friday, they showed that is all in the past as they beat Paraguay 2-0 in Lima. Paolo Guerrero scored both goals to lead Peru, who drew level with the other winners from Friday.

Ecuador also picked up three points, defeating Venezuela, 2-0. Jaime Ayovi and Christian Benitez were on target for Ecuador, which will face the United States in a friendly match on Tuesday. The result left four teams in a tie for first in CONMEBOL with three points each; Colombia are the only team yet to open their qualifying campaign.

CANADA CONTINUE PERFECT START

Canada kept their perfect start to CONCACAF World Cup qualifying on track as they demolished St. Lucia, 7-0, to remain on top of Group D with nine points from three games.

Simeon Jackson scored a hat-trick and Olivier Occean added a brace for Canada, who must win their group to advance to Round Three in CONCACAF. Canada are four points clear of second-place St. Kitts and Nevis, who drew 1-1 with Puerto Rico.

EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA CONTINUE TO ROLL

El Salvador retained their 100% record after winning 2-1 in the Dominican Republic on Friday. Former Chivas USA midfielder Osael Romero put Los Cuscatlecos up early only for the Dominicans to equalize despite playing with 10 men. El Salvador would prevail, though, as Lester Blanco scored the winner in the 66th minute. The win put El Salvador on nine points from three games, two points clear of second-place Suriname.

Guatemala also continued a perfect start to Round Two of CONCACAF qualifying as they beat St. Vincent and the Grenadines by a 3-0 score. Mario Rodriguez paced Guatemala with a brace, who have a commanding lead in Group E. St. Vincent, Belize, and Grenada are all tied for second, but are already six points back from Guatemala after three games.

GUYANA, HAITI, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA STILL PERFECT

Surprising Group B leaders Guyana remained perfect as well as they defeated Barbados 2-0 behind goals from Anthony Abrams and Chris Nurse. Guyana have nine points from three games, three more than favorites Trinidad & Tobago.

Finally, Haiti and Antigua & Barbuda held serve in Group F as they each picked up wins Friday. Antigua & Barbuda won 1-0 in Curacao, while Haiti destroyed the U.S. Virgin Islands 7-0. Both Haiti and Antigua & Barbuda have a perfect nine points from three games, but are yet to play each other. Curacao and the U.S. Virgin Islands are both already eliminated.

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