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Abdulazeez Abubakar
1 week ago
Overview
Argentina on the precipice of qualifying for World Cup after heated win over Uruguay
10-man Argentina ended a three-game winless streak away from home in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers with a combative 1-0 win over Uruguay at the Estadio Centenario.
A combative opening to the game was exacerbated by a partizan home crowd who roared every tackle and block, ultimately setting the tone for a half full of heart and endeavor but lacking in quality.
The closest either side came to a goal occurred when Giuliano Simeone smashed a speculative cross-cum-shot toward the near post, and it would’ve crept in if it wasn’t for the sharp reflexes of Sergio Rochet.
The first period was summed up just before half-time when an industrial challenge from Enzo Fernandez resulted in all 22 players engaging in a fracas in the centre circle, with the referee doing well to calm the situation before bringing the half to a close.
The visitors started the second half on the front foot and they almost found the breakthrough after a flowing counter-attack resulted in Thiago Almada letting fly from the edge of the area, but again Rochet looked sharp with a fingertip save to turn it over the bar.
Argentina started to dominate after the hour mark as Nahuel Molina was the next to test Rochet, but his low shot was parried away to safety.
With just over 20 minutes to go, the away side finally found the moment of quality to beat Rochet, as Almada curled a beauty into the top corner from distance to silence the home crowd.
Marcelo Bielsa responded with a double substitution as he tried to inject some life into his toothless attack, but they failed to trouble Emiliano Martínez and the only notable incident injury time came in the final moments when Nicolas Gonzalez was shown a straight red card for a dangerous high boot.
The win all but seals Argentina’s spot at the 2026 World Cup as they now sit six points clear at the top of the table, but more importantly, 15 points clear of Bolivia in seventh with only five games to go.
Uruguay aren’t there yet but still sit eight points clear of Bolivia, meaning they are well-placed to qualify too.
https://www.flashscore.com/news/soccer-fifa-club-world-cup-argentina-on-the-precipice-of-qualifying-for-world-cup-after-heated-win-over-uruguay/ITdxiHl1/
