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Argentina, and Brazil went unbeaten on day one of the Tokyo 2020 qualifiers. Played on Saturday at Old Boys in Santiago, Chile Los Pumas 7’s and Os Tupis 7’s both won all three of their respective pool matches and a re one played going into day two.
With a spot at the 2020 Olympic Games on the line the favorites, Argentina went into the tournament taking no chances. Having taken a strong roster they obtained desirable results on day one as they defeated Guatemala 46-0, Peru 53-0, and Paraguay 42-5.
Elsewhere in Pool A Paraguay enjoyed an excellent opening day. Los Yákares 7’s began by defeating Colombia 14-10, and ending with a 24-7 win over Peru. Meanwhile the Colombians downed Peru 41-0, and Guatemala 29-12.
Yet it was Pool B wherein the notable results came in. They occurred in the form of Brazil upsetting both Uruguay, and Chile. Os Tupis 7’s stormed to top spot in Pool B by defeating Los Teros 7’s 19-15, Los Cóndores 7’s 14-0, and Venezuela 55-7.
The results for Brazil marked a staggering turn-around compared to those of prior competitions earlier this year. Brazil’s shut-out victory over Chile involved the visitors completing dominating defensively with Chile unable to play.
Os Tupis 7’s will play their remaining pool match on day two against Costa Rica. A win will see Brazil avoiding facing Argentina in the Semi Finals.
Colombia also have an eye on the Semi Finals. Their path to the final four requires them to defeat Argentina in their remaining pool match. Also in contention are Paraguay who face Guatemala in their remaining group fixture.
The feature match of the remaining pool fixtures is to be between Chile, and Uruguay. Assuming Brazil defeat Costa Rica this match would then be a winner-takes-all with Uruguay or Chile joining Brazil from the group in reaching the Semi Finals.
In addition to playing for the one spot at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games there are also two repechage qualifying positions up for grabs.
DAY ONE RESULTS
POOL A
Colombia 41–0 Peru
Argentina 46–0 Guatemala
Paraguay 14–10 Colombia
Argentina 53–0 Peru
Colombia 29–12 Guatemala
Argentina 42–5 Paraguay
Paraguay 24–7 Peru
POOL B
Uruguay 36–0 Venezuela
Chile 51–0 Costa Rica
Brazil 19–15 Uruguay
Chile 53–0 Venezuela
Brasil 14–0 Chile
Uruguay 50–0 Costa Rica
Brazil 55–7 Venezuela
DAY TWO FIXTURES
POOL A
Paraguay vs Guatemala
Argentina vs Colombia
Peru vs Guatemala
POOL B
Brazil vs Costa Rica
Chile vs Uruguay
Venezuela vs Costa Rica
