Uruguay looks to stay on top in South America

Uruguay has a chance to stretch its lead in South American World Cup qualifying, convincing any doubters that the tiny nation of 3.5 million is the best team on the continent. The recent record says better than Brazil or Argentina.

Uruguay already leads regional qualifying with seven points from three matches. Argentina and Venezuela also have seven, but have played one more match.

On Saturday, Uruguay is home against Venezuela, Argentina plays in Buenos Aires against Ecuador, and Bolivia plays host to Chile in the thin air of La Paz. On Sunday, Peru plays in Lima against Colombia.

''We can't let down our guard if we want to continue on this winning path,'' said Uruguay striker Diego Forlan, who was voted the best player in the 2010 World Cup. Forlan, of Inter Milan, will team with Luis Suarez of Liverpool.

Uruguay is on a run.

It finished fourth in the 2010 World Cup, won last year's Copa America, and is ranked a best-ever No. 3 by FIFA.

Uruguay should get a stiff test from Venezuela, which has been the surprise of early qualifying thanks to a 1-0 victory over Argentina. Venezuela is the only team in the 10-member South American confederation yet to qualify for the World Cup.

After Uruguay, the spotlight falls on Lionel Messi in Argentina's match with Ecuador.

In a story told many times, Argentine fans are still waiting for Messi to consistently deliver.

Messi scored a record-setting 73 goals this season with Barcelona. He broke the previous European club record of 67 by Bayern Munich striker Gerd Mueller in 1972-73, and a world club mark of 70 set by Archie Stark of Bethlehem Steel in the American Soccer League in 1924-25.

Coach Alejandro Sabella is likely to start Messi up front with Real Madrid pair Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria, and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City.

''We'll get the fans closer to us if we play well and win,'' Messi said.

Ecuador defeated Argentina 2-0 and drew 1-1 in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

Ecuador has six points from three matches.

Chile also has six, but off four games.

Chile will be the favorite against Bolivia, although visiting teams always struggle in La Paz, which is at 3,600 meters (11,800 feet).

Peru will play without captain Claudio Pizarro who is out with a leg injury. Colombia striker Radamel Falcao has a right leg injury but is expected to play.

Colombia has four points in three matches, and Peru has three in three.

Paraguay is off this round.

Another round is set for June 9-10.

On June 9, it's Bolivia vs. Paraguay and Venezuela vs. Chile. On June 10, it's Uruguay vs. Peru and Ecuador vs. Colombia.

Argentina has the round off and plays Brazil on June 9 in a friendly in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Qualifying will resume in September.

The top four teams in qualifying advance automatically to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The fifth-place team faces a playoff to qualify. Host team Brazil has an automatic berth.