The first leg of the world cup qualifiers are over. Here are some results in which Barcelona players were involved. The first and the most important has to be Argentina - Paraguay clash. Paraguay were the leaders in the South American qualifying group. Argentina despite their star power and majority of attack could only drew up with Paraguay. Paraguay went ahead with a Heinze bizarre own goal , while Messi who had a better second half set up Ken to score Argentina's equaliser. Undoubtedly Mascherano was the best player on the ground in that tie in which Manchester United forward Tevez saw red card for a twoo footed challenge. Argentina have so much to worry from that tie apart from the result as their Goal Keeper Roberto ABBONDANZIERI was taken out injured. But whatever there are signs of a new star being born - Angel Di Maria.
Martin Caceres was in the substitute bench for Uruguay's match against Colombia. He never got a chance to play as Uruguay saw off the Colombian challenge with a goal from Sebastian Eguren. Another new signing Keita didn't had a great night as their team went down to Congo from a Wilfrid Endzanga goal. Mali with a star cast of Keita, Diarra and Sissoko was expected to beat Congo. Mali still leads the group with 9 points but if Chad is able to beat Sudan then things will become extremely exciting. Ivory Coast was held onto a draw by Mozambique. Kone scored for Ivory Coast in the 48th minute, Miro equalised for Mozambique within four minutes. Ivory Coast lies in the top so could consider it as a good result. Else where Cameroon minus Eto defeated Cape Verde Islands after coming back from a goal down to score a 2-1 victory. Cameroon already has qualified for the next stage.
In Europe there were some surprises; the biggest of all was the French sides defeat to Austria. Austria demolished France with a 3-1 victory thanks to a Mexes own goal and another two fromAufHauser and Ivanschitz(pen). France may still make it through as it lies in a pretty easy group. But performances of this nature will not help them. Mean while, David Villa saved Spain's face with a 57th minute goal. The European Champions had four Barcelona players - Xavi, Puyol and Iniesta in the eleven and Bojan on the substitute bench. Bojan have to still wait to make his much awaited playing debut. Eidur Gudjonsen scored against Noway in a 2-2 draw. Belarus was beaten by Ukraine with a injury time penalty from Schevchenko. Aleksander Hleb started in the playing eleven.