GARY'S GOING TO BRAZIL

City midfielder claims World Cup spot with Chile

City midfielder Gary Medel scored in a 2-1 win for Chile over Ecuador last night, a win that books his and Chile’s place in next years World Cup.

The victory confirms there will be two Bluebirds in Brazil next summer, Medel joining South Korean star Kim Bo Kyung to make it two City stars to have already booked their place in the World Cup.

Just needing a point from their tie with Ecuador in Santiago, two quickfire goals in three minute just after the half hour mark put Chile in command of the tie. Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez gave ‘La Roja’ the lead before Medel slotted home a second just two minutes later.

Ecuador, needing a point themselves to deny any late drama for their qualification, responded with a goal from former Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo just after the hour mark but it wouldn’t be enough to stop Chile from claiming their spot in Brazil in style.

Their qualification was already pretty secure of course, a large goal difference from nearest challengers Uruguay was always likely to see them through, but the win confirmed their place in third spot in the South American qualification table behind Columbia and group winners Argentina.

Opponents Ecuador also qualified for Brazil despite the defeat to Gary Medel’s Chile, Uruguay’s 3-2 win over Argentina not enough to force them into the automatic spots as Ecuador qualified on goal difference. Uruguay will now face a home and away play-off with Jordan, the fifth placed team in Asia.