Argentina demonstrated its strength on Friday, defeating Uruguay 1-0 in an impressive display during their South American World Cup qualifying clash, despite being without the iconic Lionel Messi, alongside fellow key players Lautaro Martínez and others. The decisive goal came from Thiago Almada, whose stunning curled shot from the edge of the box secured the victory. This win places the reigning champions tantalizingly close to securing a direct berth in next year’s World Cup.
In the ongoing qualifying round, Argentina leads with 28 points from 13 matches and could cement their World Cup spot with at least a draw against Brazil in their upcoming home fixture on Tuesday. Sitting comfortably, Argentina is 15 points ahead of 7th-placed Bolivia, with just five rounds remaining. This marks another success for Lionel Scaloni’s team following their recent 1-0 triumph over Brazil at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Elsewhere, Ecuador claimed a vital 2-1 victory over Venezuela, moving into second place in the standings and closing in on a spot in the tournament once more. Brazil follows in third place with 21 points, narrowly leading Uruguay and Paraguay. Colombia holds the sixth position with 19 points. The tournament guarantees direct entry for the top six teams to the event in North America, while the seventh-placed team will have the opportunity to qualify through an international playoff.
Despite the absence of Lionel Messi, Argentina adapted well, overcoming the additional absences of Lautaro Martínez, Lisandro Martínez, and Rodrigo De Paul. Coach Lionel Scaloni introduced Giuliano Simeone to the starting lineup, flanked by Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada. Uruguay, in a packed Centenario Stadium, initially took control and generated the best first-half chances. However, Argentina held firm, turning the tide in the second half.
Almada’s goal in the 68th minute came after Argentina spurned several opportunities in front of goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, yet Uruguay failed to capitalize, ending with just four shots on target. Almada, a key figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win, expressed his eagerness to prove his worth: “I was a little anxious, very willing to play and show why I was making the squad.” Looking ahead, Argentina faces Brazil, despite being a player short with Nico González suspended following his injury-time confrontation with Nahitan Nández.
Brazil, too, faces squad challenges for their clash at Monumental de Nunez Stadium, missing goalkeeper Alisson, defender Gabriel Magalhães, and midfielder Bruno Guimarães. Scaloni lauded his team’s resilience despite the absentees, remarking, “We made a complete match, we absorbed the pressure. When we had to play, we did it. And when we had to defend, we did it too.” Uruguay will seek redemption against Bolivia, knowing a Bolivian failure to win would secure Argentina’s qualification, regardless of Argentina’s result against Brazil.
In a notable display, Enner Valencia of Ecuador extended his record as the nation’s top goal-scorer, adding two goals to his tally. The first came with a powerful strike in the 39th minute, followed by a composed finish just after the break. Despite missing a penalty in the 69th, Valencia helped secure a crucial win, while Venezuela’s Jhonder Cádiz found the net in injury time.
Venezuela continues to struggle, winless in nine consecutive matches and maintaining their position in eighth. Yet, they still hold the hope of a historic first World Cup qualification. Ecuador, having overcome an early three-point handicap due to previous ineligibility infractions, is on course to return to the global stage with a solid squad. Ecuador travels to face Chile on Tuesday, as Venezuela hosts Peru, both teams vying crucially for World Cup spots.