Colombia stretched its target fast and drew 0-0 at home with Paraguay on Tuesday, leaving Qatar stumbling in the fight for live places in the 2022 World Cup.

Colombian DD, Renault Ruda, despite the return of the talented James Rodriguez as a starter boosted a team that had started to attack from the start, but the Paraguayan players resisted the onslaught in a game played in hot Barranquilla.

Colombia, with 17 points, are fourth in the table, which gives them a ticket to the World Cup, but they have to believe that Chile will not beat Ecuador in a simultaneous battle to keep the box. Paraguay, meanwhile, are ninth behind Qatar with 13 points.

Those who came to Rueda in the first half, especially with Luis Díaz on the left side of the Paraguayan goal, were not strong.

The locals had options with Miguel Borja, Luis Muriel, James Rodriguez, Juan Guillermo Quadrato and Diaz, but they did not have the attacking power.

Miguel Almiron’s shot hit the crossbar for Albroza, even with the clearest goal choice.

In the 57th minute Diaz filtered a pass to James, who sent a left-footed shot from mid-range that deflected narrowly.

Andres Cubas was sent off for a double yellow card for 85 and Paraguay with 10 players remaining. At 92, Duan Zapada deceived Colombia. He acted on his own, but his shot went wide.

In the fifteenth round, on January 27, Colombia hosts Peru and Paraguay hosts Uruguay.