Argentina came from behind to defeat Colombia in Barranquilla in the fourth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup.

Alejandro Sabella's side controlled possession during most of the first half, but could not find a way through the Cafeteros' defence until Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero were on target in the second half.

It was the hosts who broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, midfielder Dorlan Pabon's free-kick taking a wicked deflection off Javier Mascherano.

The visitors were on level just after the hour mark, though, thanks to an error by Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina. The Nice stopper spilled Jose Sosa's cross, allowing Barcelona forward Messi to flick the ball into the empty net.

Argentina sealed an unconvincing win five minutes from time on the counter-attack. Messi fed Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, whose cross-shot was saved by Ospina but Manchester City frontman Aguero was on hand to tap home the rebound.

Venezuela moved level with Uruguay and Argentina at the top of the South American zone World Cup qualifying standings thanks to a 1-0 win over Bolivia in San Cristobal, after defender Oswaldo Vizcarrondo headed home a 25th-minute corner to give the Vinotinto their second win in four matches.

It was a third defeat in four games for Bolivia, who remained bottom of the standings and were unable to repeat the form they showed in a 1-1 draw against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Friday.

Both Chile and Ecuador moved within a point of the leading trio with victories on Tuesday.

Claudio Borghi's Chile claimed a 2-0 home win over Paraguay at the Estadio Nacional.

Pablo Contreras opened the scoring in the 28th minute by nodding home a right-wing cross from Matias Fernandez, and Matias Campos-Toro came off the bench to double the lead four minutes from time. His shot was deflected into the net by Paraguay midfielder Victor Ayala.

Borghi said: "I'm proud of what the players did. I feel they played for me, for the technical staff and it makes me feel proud."

Paraguay coach Francisco Arce, meanwhile, told reporters in Santiago: "Chile made the most of their goalscoring opportunities.

"We had some and we could have scored them, but their keeper had a great night."

In Quito, Ecuador overcame Peru 2-0. Cristian Benitez set up Edison Mendez to break the deadlock in the 69th minute, the ball going in via the left post.

Benitez lashed home a loose ball two minutes from time to make the points safe.

Ecuador boss Reinaldo Rueda said: "Peru played an excellent match and were aggressive. We could not relax.

"The players must now keep playing well at their clubs, finish this league in good form and start the new year even better."

Peru stayed on three points from three games ans were second bottom in the standings.

Tuesday's 2014 World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL)

Colombia 1-2 Argentina

Ecuador 2-0 Peru

Chile 2-0 Paraguay

Venezuela 1-0 Bolivia