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Published: Sunday September 6, 2009 MYT 7:25:00 AM
Updated: Sunday September 6, 2009 MYT 8:21:44 AM

Colombia beats Ecuador 2-0

MEDELLIN, Colombia (AP) - Colombia beat Ecuador 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday thanks to second-half goals from Jackson Martinez and Teofilo Gutierrez to improve its chances of making it to next year's finals in South Africa.

The victory gives Colombia 20 points - the same as Ecuador - with three matches to play.

Colombia midfielder Fabian Vargas was substituted in the 43rd minute after injuring his left shin. He was replaced by John Viafara.

Ecuador's Pablo Palacios was sent off after 48 minutes for a second yellow card offense. Independiente Medellin striker Martinez came off the bench to score in the 81st minute after racing on to a through ball by Giovanni Moreno.

Gutierrez increased the winning margin in stoppage time as 10-man Ecuador chased an equalizer. Moreno again set up the goal.

The victory for Colombia was made even sweeter by the news that qualification rivals Uruguay were beaten 1-0 by Peru.

Uruguay has 18 points and Peru, which has no chance of reaching South Africa, has 10.

Colombia plays on Wednesday at Uruguay and Ecuador is at Bolivia.

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