Argentina secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Uruguay in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, ending their three-game winless streak away from home. Despite finishing the match with ten men, the reigning world champions displayed resilience and tactical discipline at the Estadio Centenario.
A Fierce and Tense First Half
The match kicked off with high intensity, fueled by a fervent home crowd. Both teams struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, as the game was dominated by aggressive challenges rather than quality play.
The closest chance of the first half came when Giuliano Simeone fired a speculative cross-shot toward the near post, forcing Uruguay’s goalkeeper Sergio Rochet into a crucial save. Just before halftime, tensions escalated when Enzo Fernández’s aggressive challenge led to a heated confrontation involving all 22 players, requiring the referee’s intervention to restore order.
Almada’s Magic Secures the Win
Argentina started the second half with renewed energy and nearly took the lead when Thiago Almada’s powerful strike from the edge of the area was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Rochet. Shortly after, Nahuel Molina also tested the Uruguayan goalkeeper, but his effort was parried away.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 69th minute, when Almada produced a moment of brilliance, curling a stunning long-range shot into the top corner. The goal silenced the home crowd and put Argentina in control.
Uruguay’s coach Marcelo Bielsa responded with a double substitution in an attempt to revitalize his team’s attack, but the hosts failed to seriously threaten Emiliano Martínez’s goal.
Late Drama and a Crucial Victory
Tensions flared again in injury time, as Argentina was reduced to ten men after Nicolás González received a straight red card for a high boot challenge. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina held firm in the closing moments to secure a vital three points.
This crucial victory strengthens Argentina’s grip on qualification for the 2026 World Cup. They now sit six points clear of their closest rivals and 15 points ahead of seventh-placed Bolivia, with only five matches remaining.
While Uruguay still has work to do, they remain in a strong position, sitting eight points clear of Bolivia and well within reach of securing their place at the tournament.
SOUTH AMERICAN WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
ROUND 13
Uruguay – Argentina 0–1 (Almada 68’)
Red card: N. González (Argentina, 90+5’)
Current Standings
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇦🇷 ARG | 13 | 9 | 1 | 3 | +15 | 28 |
| 2 | 🇪🇨 ECU | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | +8 | 22 |
| 3 | 🇧🇷 BRA | 13 | 6 | 3 | 4 | +7 | 21 |
| 4 | 🇺🇾 URU | 13 | 5 | 5 | 3 | +7 | 20 |
| 5 | 🇵🇾 PAR | 13 | 5 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 20 |
| 6 | 🇨🇴 COL | 13 | 5 | 4 | 4 | +4 | 19 |
| 7 | 🇧🇴 BOL | 13 | 4 | 1 | 8 | -16 | 13 |
| 8 | 🇻🇪 VEN | 13 | 2 | 6 | 5 | -5 | 12 |
| 9 | 🇵🇪 PER | 13 | 2 | 4 | 7 | -10 | 10 |
| 10 | 🇨🇱 CHI | 13 | 2 | 3 | 8 | -12 | 9 |
✅ Top 6 qualify
🎟 7th place → intercontinental playoff