The 10 teams were divided into 2 groups of 3 teams each and 1 group of 4 teams. 3 spots were open for competition. The teams would play against each other on a home-and-away basis.
The Bolivia v Peru match on 10 August 1969 is infamous for being fixed by Argentina in favour of Bolivia. Match referee Sergio Chechelev annulled a valid goal from Peru without any justification, allowing Bolivia to win 2–1. Years later, Chechelev excused himself saying that Argentina had paid him to favour Bolivia.[1]
This has been the only time that Argentina failed to qualify to a World Cup tournament.