Uruguay clinch last World Cup berth

Beijing, Nov 21 (IANS) Uruguay filled the last vacancy of the 32 teams for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a 5-0 aggregate win over Jordan on Thursday morning.

Uruguay, fourth at the 2010 World Cup, ranked fifth in South America’s qualifying campaign and had to compete for a ticket in an international playoff with Jordan, fifth in Asia, reports Xinhua.

Winning 5-0 a week ago in Jordan, Uruguay tied the home match 0-0 to secure their fourth consecutive trip to the World Cup.

In another playoff, New Zealand lost Oceania’s half spot to Mexico, fourth of North and Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF). New Zealand’s chances of entering the World Cup have been greatly increased since Australia joined the Asia Football Confederation in 2005.

New Zealand grasped the opportunity to return to the football gala in 2010, their first trip in 27 years. But luck was not on their side this time.

Algeria claimed the final qualifying spot in African zone Wednesday on away goals after edging Burkina Faso 1-0 in the second leg of their playoff and narrowly progressing with a 3-3 aggregate draw.

However, their triumph was marred by the fact that 12 people died and some 240 were injured in raucous celebrations following their qualification.

In Europe’s high level qualifying, France beat Ukraine 3-0 for a 3-2 aggregate win. With France’s victory, 13 European spots have all found their owners.

Japan, the highest ranked Asian team on 44th, was the first team to nail a ticket in June whereas Asian football still has a lot of catching up to do.

The draw for the group stage of the World Cup takes place in Bahia, Brazil, Dec 6.