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Controversy overshadows Uruguay victory over Chile

Chilean footballers berated South American referees and officials on Thursday after several penalty decisions went against them in a frustrating 2-1 loss to Uruguay in their opening World Cup qualifier in Montevideo.

Soccer Football - World Cup 2022 South American Qualifiers - Uruguay v Chile - Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay - October 8, 2020 Uruguay's Luis Suarez celebrates scoring their first goal Pool via REUTERS/Raul Martinez
RAUL MARTINEZREUTERS

Chilean footballers berated South American referees and officials on Thursday after several penalty decisions went against them in a frustrating 2-1 loss to Uruguay in their opening World Cup qualifier in Montevideo.

Luis Suarez got Uruguay's first goal from the spot shortly before half time with the aid of the video assistant referee (VAR).

In a repeat of the controversies that have assailed English football this season, the Paraguayan referee took a long time to review the VAR but pointed to the spot after the ball bounced off Sebastian Vegas’ body and on to his arm as he slid in to block a shot.

Although Alexis Sanchez equalised for Chile early in the second half, substitute Maxi Gomez made it 2-1 in injury time to give the home side a barely deserved win.

Alexis Sánchez
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Alexis SánchezRaul MartinezEFE

The Chileans' ire was exacerbated by the referee's refusal to consider two of their own penalty claims, including one clear handball in the dying minutes of the match.

The top four teams in South America's 10-team group qualify automatically for Qatar 2022 and the fifth-placed side goes into an inter-regional playoff.

Uruguay's next game is away at Ecuador on Tuesday, while Chile return to Santiago to face Colombia the same day.

Peru-Paraguay stalemate

In the evening's earlier game, Peru and Paraguay drew 2-2 in a match that came alive with four goals in the second half.

Andre Carrillo put Peru in front after 53 minutes only for the home side to snatch the lead with a double from Angel Romero.

Soccer Football - World Cup 2022 South American Qualifiers - Paraguay v Peru - Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asuncion, Paraguay - October 8, 2020 Peru's Andre Carrillo celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Jorge Adorno
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Soccer Football - World Cup 2022 South American Qualifiers - Paraguay v Peru - Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asuncion, Paraguay - October 8, 2020 Peru's Andre Carrillo celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Jorge AdornoJORGE ADORNOREUTERS

However, Carrillo was not to be outdone and grabbed an equalizer with five minutes remaining