Barranquilla, Sep 11 (V7N) –Argentina's impressive 12-game unbeaten run came to a dramatic end as Colombia secured a 2-1 victory in the World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday. The match, held at the Metropolitano Stadium, saw James Rodriguez lead the hosts to victory with a decisive penalty, avenging their defeat to Argentina in the Copa America final just two months prior. This marks Argentina’s first loss of the year after their defeat to Uruguay in the qualifiers last November.

Colombia started strongly, and after 25 minutes, Rodriguez's clever play from a short corner led to a cross that Yerson Mosquera headed, catching Argentina off guard. The home crowd erupted as Colombia took the lead, with Argentina visibly missing the presence of their star player, Lionel Messi, who has been sidelined with an injury since the Copa America final.

Argentina fought back early in the second half, equalising in the 48th minute. Mosquera redeemed himself with a shot between the legs of Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. However, the joy was short-lived for the world champions, as just 12 minutes later, a controversial penalty was awarded to Colombia after Nicolas Otamendi's challenge on Daniel Munoz in the box. James Rodriguez stepped up to calmly convert the penalty following a VAR review.

Despite fierce protests from the Argentine players over the penalty decision, Colombia held on to secure the win. The final whistle was met with jubilation from the Colombian fans, who celebrated both the victory and their revenge for the Copa America defeat.

With this win, Colombia climbed to second place in the South American qualifiers with 16 points, while Argentina remains at the top of the table with 18 points. For Argentina, the loss was particularly painful, not only for ending their unbeaten streak but also for the continued absence of their talisman, Lionel Messi.

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