After last weekend’s opening round of matches, the continent’s aspirants are preparing for their second bouts as the battle for places at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ intensifies. As usual, FIFA.com is here to preview the midweek bill, which is topped by Argentina’s visit to fellow first-day victors Venezuela, the Pacific derby between Chile and Peru, and Brazil’s bid for a maiden group win at home to Ecuador.

Tuesday night is football night in Venezuela Venezuela v Argentina, Maracaibo, 16 October, 20:40 (local time)

The honour of kicking off the next round of games goes to Venezuela and Argentina, two of the three sides to open their campaigns with weekend wins. Fresh from an historic triumph in Ecuador, the Vinotinto are understandably full of optimism going into their first home appointment.

Visitors Argentina got going with a comfortable 2-0 win over Chile and return to the country where they performed so scintillatingly in the recent Copa America. And just as he did in July, the diminutive Lionel Messi caused a real stir when he flew into town for Tuesday’s duel.

Key factors: Venezuela’s hunger and enthusiasm versus Argentina’s individual quality. The duel: Juan Roman Riquelme v Juan Arango. Past meetings: Venezuela have never taken a single point off Argentina. The last time the two met was on 17 November 2004, when the Albiceleste prevailed 3-2 in Buenos Aires. What they say: “Obviously we respect Argentina, but our learning curve is over. Our aim now is to reach the World Cup finals.” Richard Paez, Venezuela coach.

Brazil keen to make their point Brazil v Ecuador, Rio de Janeiro, 17 October, 21:45 (local time)

Following a lacklustre draw with Colombia, Brazil will be out to banish the blues when they entertain Ecuador at the legendary Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Dunga’s men will be hoping to draw inspiration from the vociferous home support and recapture the form that saw them storm to Copa America 2007 glory just a matter of months ago, form that was mysteriously lacking in Sunday’s uninspiring stalemate.

For their part, Luis Suarez’s side need to get some points on the board after a surprise loss at home to Venezuela. Not that the Tricolor boss should be holding out too much hope of that: in their last five outings away from Quito, the Ecuadorians have recorded a solitary win.

Key factors: The atmosphere at the Maracana, where Brazil have not played a game for seven years. The duel: Kaka v Ivan Hurtado. Past meetings: It has been ten years since Brazil and Ecuador last played out a draw. The only time there has been more than one goal between them in that period was a 1998 friendly. What they say: “Ecuador always pose us problems because they’ve got some fine players and they are physically strong. This game will be no exception and we need to be on our toes.” Dunga, Brazil coach.

Elsewhere Rounding off the midweek menu are three other games in Santiago, Asuncion and La Paz on Wednesday evening, the pick of them the Pacific derby between old foes Chile and Peru. Adding a little spice to that long-running rivalry is the fact that both sides will be hunting their first wins. Recent history favours La Roja, who took the honours the last two times the teams met, a brace of friendlies in October 2006.

Paraguay will take to the field at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco intent on picking up three valuable points against an in-form Uruguay side buoyed by last Saturday’s demolition of Bolivia. The Albirroja will certainly need to sharpen up their wayward finishing, which cost them two points on their trip to Peru, while their Uruguayan visitors can expect a much stiffer test than they received from their opening-day opponents.

Last but not least is the La Paz clash between Bolivia, who need to react quickly from a 5-0 loss to Uruguay if they are to maintain realistic qualification hopes, and a Colombia side bolstered by their commendable showing against the continental champions. The visitors have the weight of history against them, however, having only won once in the Bolivian capital, a 1-0 triumph at the Copa America in 1983.

This week’s fixtures

Tuesday 16 October Venezuela v Argentina

Wednesday 17 October Bolivia v Colombia Paraguay v Uruguay Chile v Peru Brazil v Ecuador

Source:Soccer News