Soccer-Late goals rescue Ecuador, Colombia in qualifiers

SAO PAULO, March 24 (Reuters) - A stoppage-time goal helped Ecuador rescue a 2-2 draw at home to Paraguay in World Cup qualifying on Thursday, preserving their record as South America's only unbeaten side and keeping them top of the 10-team standings in the race to Russia. In the afternoon's other qualifying match, Colombia also required an injury-time goal to win 3-2 in Bolivia. Paraguay's victory brought Ecuador's four-game winning streak to an end and means none of the 10 teams seeking to guarantee a place in Russia 2018 remain unbeaten. Angel Mena got the equaliser for Ecuador from a suspiciously offside position in the second minute of time added-on. Enner Valencia opened the scoring for the home side after 19 minutes but Dario Lezcano equalised before halftime. Lezcano, who plays for Bundesliga club Ingolstadt, got his and Paraguay's second 13 minutes into the second half. The result was the least the home side deserved after hitting the woodwork three times. It ensured that whatever the results of the three outstanding games in this round, the Andean nation will continue to lead the table with 13 points from five matches. Uruguay, who are in second place and face Brazil in Recife on Friday, have nine points from four matches. Colombia beat Bolivia 3-2 in La Paz with Edwin Cardona grabbing a late winner for the visitors. James Rodriguez opened the scoring for Colombia when he brought down a pass from Carlos Bacca and slotted home an angled drive. Five minutes before halftime the roles were reversed and Bacca latched on to a Rodriguez pass to put Colombia in the driving seat. Juan Arce got one back for Bolivia from the penalty spot after 49 minutes but Alejandro Chumacero grabbed the equaliser when he hammered home a spectacular strike from the edge of the area. The result gave Colombia their first win since the opening match and left Bolivia joint second bottom of the table with three points from five games. Chile are at home to Argentina and Peru face Venezuela in Lima later on Thursday. The top four sides qualify automatically for Russia 2018 and the fifth go into a playoff. (Writing by Andrew Downie, editing by Ed Osmond)