What's at stake in CONMEBOL qualifiers as Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Uruguay battle for final spots

Brazil and Argentina are already in, as 2.5 spots remain with four games left to play

Whenever a popular television series is forced to deal with its inevitable ending, there's always the daunting realization that the finale -- no matter how well it's written or performed -- will never please everyone. There was Khaleesi's twist of fate in "Game of Thrones," the controversial diner scene in "The Sopranos," and even the one we can all agree on, the ridiculousness that was "Lost."

The point is that sometimes, whether it's a television show or World Cup qualifiers, the conclusion can disappoint. In South America, however, at least for the neutral, that's hardly the case. It may not be filled with dragons or a New Jersey mob family, but CONMEBOL qualifiers are facing a riveting final stretch. Every match in this window has a consequence for anyone who wants to play in Qatar and with Ecuador getting closer and closer to becoming the third South American nation to book a ticket for November, the spots are running out. 

Let's take a look at what's at stake.