Eduardo Vargas and Arturo Vidal scored Chile's goals as they rose above Uruguay to fourth in the CONMEBOL standings for next year's World Cup in Brazil, while Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz produced an 88th-minute strike to ensure a nervous finish.

After the continent's top-two sides Argentina and Colombia played out a scoreless draw on Friday and third-placed Ecuador lost 1-0 away to Peru, Chile took advantage to rise to 18 points.

Chile took the lead four minutes before half-time when a flowing passing move finished at the feet of Vargas on the edge of the penalty area and the Gremio attacker thumped the ball into the top corner.

The visitors doubled their lead at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in the 56th minute when Vidal played a one-two with Alexis Sanchez, who chipped the ball over Paraguay's defence for the midfielder to score.

Paraguay notched a late goal when Santa Cruz intercepted a pass and drove forward to score but Chile held on to move within seven points of leaders Argentina.

Argentina have 25 points from 12 matches, while Colombia (20 points) are second just ahead of third-placed Ecuador on goal difference.

In Peru, the hosts claimed victory over Ecuador thanks to a 12th-minute goal from Claudio Pizarro, while in Argentina both teams had a red card sent off in the 26th minute in a tense scoreless draw.

Colombia's Cristian Zapata and Gonzalo Higuain of Argentina were both sent off when the latter appeared to kick out at the former before the Colombian retaliated.

In the other qualifier, Bolivia equalised with four minutes remaining to earn a 1-1 draw against Venezuela.

Juan Arango scored the opening goal for Venezuela in the 58th minute before Jhasmani Campos equalised in the closing stages.