Argentina were able to pull through their match even without the likes of Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez, winning the game 1-0 against Uruguay in an important South American World Cup Qualifier. The reigning champions were able to clinch the win without requiring goals from their star players.
The star of the evening was certainly Thiago Almada whom scored in the 68th minute with an incredible curling strike that came from the edge of the box. Almada’s goal placed Argentina just one point away from needing automatic qualification to the next World Cup.
Argentina Ready To Qualify
Argentina is leading the qualification guide right now with 28 points from 13 matches and will automatically qualify with at least a draw versus Brazil. They hold a sizeable 15 point cushion above Bolivia which places them in a good situation with only 5 matches left.
Brazil holds the fifth and final guaranteed qualification spot as of now, closely followed by Colombia. The rest of the top six are rounded out by Peru and Uruguay who are both tied for positions 4 and 3 respectively.
Overcoming Big Absences
Scaloni was required to adjust his roster due to the absence of Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Lisandro Martinez, and Rodrigo De Paul. Youngster Giuliano Simeone was called up to play and began the match alongside Julián Alvarez and Almada, a decision that ultimately worked out.
Uruguay made a strong opening at the Centenario Stadium in front of a supportive home crowd, creating the best chances in the first half. Argentina held them off sneakily to gain control of the game after halftime.
Eventually, Almada’s goal broke the deadlock, and after the earlier wasted chances, Argentina was able to pull through with the win. Under the management of Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay were unable to respond and ended the match with just four shots on target.
“Admittedly, I was a little anxious but also very keen to showcase my talent,” Almada shared after the match. “We now go into hibernation mode and focus on level two which is Brazil. They have a day extra for recovery but we are good too.”
Argentina vs. Brazil Up Next
Argentina are due at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium on Tuesday, but they will be missing Nico Gonzalez who was red carded at the death for a reckless tackle on Nahitan Nandez.
Brazil too have selection headaches, with goalkeeper Allison, defender Gabriel Magalhaes and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes all indisposed.
Even with the missing players, Scaloni was pleased with his team’s performance and praised them saying:
“I am happy for the win and for how the team performed, we handled the pressure well and defended when we had to.”
Looking Ahead to Uruguay’s Next Match
Argentina is waiting for Uruguay to go up against Bolivia when they try to bounce back on Tuesday. A win for Uruguay and a loss for Argentina against Brazil allows Argentina to qualify based on the other matches.
For the moment, Argentina relishes in a vital victory and proves they are capable of dominating without their star players.
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