Argentina on the Brink of World Cup Qualification Following Fiery Victory against Uruguay

In a fiercely contested match, ten-man Argentina broke their three-game winless streak on the road in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers with a narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay at the Estadio Centenario.

The encounter opened with an intense atmosphere, amplified by a passionate home crowd who cheered every tackle and defensive effort, shaping a first half filled with determination but lacking in finesse.

The closest either team came to scoring was when Giuliano Simeone struck a speculative cross-shot towards the near post, which looked destined for the net until it was brilliantly saved by Sergio Rochet.

Just before half-time, the tension escalated when an aggressive challenge from Enzo Fernandez triggered a fracas involving all 22 players in the centre circle, with the referee deftly managing to restore order before the break.

Argentina began the second half with renewed intensity and came close to taking the lead after a swift counterattack culminated in Thiago Almada unleashing a shot from the edge of the box, only for Rochet to make an impressive fingertip save, pushing the ball over the bar. As the match approached the hour mark, Argentina began to establish control, with Nahuel Molina the next to challenge Rochet, whose low shot was again parried away.

With just over 20 minutes remaining, the visitors finally found the moment of brilliance needed to beat Rochet, as Almada expertly curled a stunning shot into the top corner from range, silencing the home supporters.

In response, Marcelo Bielsa made a double substitution in an attempt to energise his struggling attack, but they failed to test Emiliano Martínez, with the only notable action in injury time being Nicolás González receiving a straight red card for a reckless high boot.

This victory virtually assures Argentina of a place in the 2026 World Cup, as they now sit six points clear at the summit of the table and a significant 15 points ahead of Bolivia in seventh place with only five matches remaining. Uruguay, on the other hand, remain solidly positioned, sitting eight points clear of Bolivia themselves and well in contention for qualification.