CONMEBOL minnows Venezuela nearly pulled off a shock win against a Leo Messi-less Argentina, drawing 2-2 in Merida on Tuesday night.
Goals from Juanpi and Josef Martinez had the hosts two up with just over half an hour to play, but Edgardo Bauza's men eventually fought their way into the match.
Atletico Mineiro forward Lucas Pratto brought Argentina back into the game with a well-taken strike, before Nicolas Otamendi's 83rd minute effort ensured that La Albiceleste left Venezuela with a share of the spoils.
In Manaus, Neymar scored in the 74th minute to hand Brazil a vital 2-1 win over Colombia.
Miranda gave the Selecao the lead just 90 seconds into the match, nodding in a corner at the near post. Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos, however, turned the ball into his own net just after the half hour mark to bring the Colombians back into the game.
Philippe Coutinho was subbed on in the 66th minute by new Brazil boss Tite and had an immediate effect, teeing up Neymar for the winner just eight minutes later.
Edinson Cavani fired Uruguay into a first-half lead against Paraguay in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying and the team went on to win 4-0.
Uruguay, fresh off a 1-0 loss to Argentina in their previous qualifier, were on track in the 18th minute at Centenario Stadium in Montevideo when Cavani slotted home from in front of the goal following an assist from Luis Suarez.
Paraguay held on momentarily, but the hosts had tripled their lead by the break as Christian Rodriguez added a goal in the 42nd minute and Suarez added another from the penalty spot in first-half injury time.
With Uruguay firmly in control, Cavani added a fourth early in the second half to make the rest of the match merely a formality.
The win ensures that Uruguay ends the international break in first place on the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table.
In Tuesday's other CONMEBOL matches, Bolivia held reigning Copa America champions Chile to a 0-0 draw, while Peru triumphed 2-1 at home to Ecuador.