BUENOS AIRES - The road to South Africa gets under way in the South American Zone on Saturday as 10 teams begin their quest to reach the 2010 World Cup.
The top four finishers in the group are handed direct qualification to the finals, while the fifth-placed side will contest a play-off against the fourth-placed nation in the North, Central American and Caribbean Zone.
One of the most attractive opening-round matches sees Argentina face a Chile side led by former coach Marcelo Bielsa - who qualified Los Gauchos to the 2002 World Cup.
Despite his side's underdog tag, Bielsa is full of confidence ahead of the match against his former employers in Buenos Aires.
"We are aiming to surprise in Argentina," he said.
"They have first-class players so we should double our desire to beat their game with our weapons.
"Argentina have a new generation and we should try to get hold of the ball quickly and try not to lose it."
Argentina coach Alfio Basile has given a vote of confidence to Juan Roman Riquelme, who is out of favour at club side Villarreal after a falling-out with coach Manuel Pellegrini.
Riquelme, however, does not feel he is being given special treatment by Basile, insisting that his place in the national side is justified.
"I'm quite old to be that spoiled," he said when asked whether Basile was giving him preferential treatment. "I've been in the national team for a long time."
The former Boca Juniors star added that the Copa America runners-up have a "duty to qualify Argentina to the World Cup as soon as possible".
Uruguay welcome Bolivia to Montevideo's Centenario, as the Charruas bid to return to the World Cup stage after losing to Australia in the play-offs for the 2006 tournament.
Uruguay coach Oscar Washington Tabarez, who has named Pablo Garcia as his captain, believes this weekend's match is one they must take maximum points from with the likes of Brazil and Argentina waiting in the wings.
"To win at home is crucial," he said.
"Against almost all rivals, Uruguay should be stronger than the others at home. When playing Argentina or Brazil, things will be even."
Bolivia boss Erwin Sanchez, meanwhile, was tight-lipped when pressed to reveal his tactics for the game in Montevideo.
"The only way to prepare a surprise for Uruguay is by closing doors to the press," he said.
"We've been told Uruguay know everything about us and we know just a little about what they are doing."
Venezuela have never qualified for a World Cup and start their latest qualification campaign against Ecuador.
And Vinotinto coach Richard Paez is well aware of the size of the task facing his side if they are to break that unwanted record.
"It won be easy, but we've gained our rivals' respect, so we expect to collect at least 25 points and play our first World Cup ever," said Paez.
Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez is hopeful the Tricolor will maintain the form that has taken them to the last two World Cups.
"The intention is to make Ecuador play as Ecuador always plays, not changing anything and staying confident."
Saturday's final game will take place in Asuncion, where Paraguay begin their quest to reach a fourth World Cup in succession against Peru, who have not reached the finals since 1982.
Both teams will be without their key strikers this weekend, with Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz (knee) out for Paraguay and Hamburg's Paolo Guerrero (thigh) missing for the visitors.
Jefferson Farfan is expected to start for Peru after recovering from an ankle injury, and has set his sights on victory in the opener.
"We know we can triumph if we go into the match focused," he said. "Paraguay have some injured players, but we should take care of ourselves."
On Sunday, reigning two-time Copa America champions Brazil visit Colombia.
The Selecao won the qualifying group for last year's World Cup in Germany and coach Dunga hopes Robinho will recover from an ankle injury in time to feature.
"He has to train well on Friday," said the coach. "We'll test him. Training is useful to see which are the best options."
Colombia goalkeeper Agustin Julio admits he is expecting a busy afternoon against the five-time world champions.
"We are expecting Brazil to approach our goal a lot," he said. "But we've been working hard on not letting them do so."
