Leaders Brazil and second-place Argentina had uninspiring performances in their World Cup qualifying matches, but gained key competition points as they try to secure their direct spots for Qatar next year.

Playing without suspended Neymar and injured Casemiro, Brazil won 3-1 at Venezuela, and Argentina had a goalless draw at Paraguay. Brazil trailed bottom-of-the-table Venezuela until the 71st minute, when Marquinhos leveled the match in Caracas. Gabriel Barbosa scored the second goal from the spot and substitute Antony scored the third in added time.