Montevideo, Mar 22 (V7N)-  Argentina secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Uruguay in a heated World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Centenario. Thiago Almada emerged as the hero, scoring the only goal of the match in the 68th minute, strengthening Argentina’s lead in the South American qualifying standings.

The match was marked by intensity and aggression, with tensions running high between the two teams. Despite missing key players like Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, and Paulo Dybala due to injuries, Argentina showcased their depth and resilience. Almada’s stunning strike from outside the penalty box silenced the Uruguayan crowd and secured three vital points for the reigning world champions.

In the dying moments of the game, Argentina’s Nicolás González received a red card, adding a dramatic twist to the contest. His suspension means he will miss Argentina’s upcoming high-stakes clash against Brazil on March 26.

With this win, Argentina remains at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, accumulating 28 points from 13 matches. Uruguay, on the other hand, sits in fourth place with 20 points. Ecuador and Brazil are in second and third place with 22 and 21 points, respectively.

A victory against Brazil in their next match could all but confirm Argentina’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach Lionel Scaloni expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, emphasizing their ability to adapt and win even in the absence of star players.

“We knew this would be a tough match, but the team showed great character. We are focused on securing our spot in the World Cup, and this victory brings us one step closer,” Scaloni said after the match.

The Argentina vs. Brazil match on March 26 is now set to be a decisive fixture in the qualification race, as Argentina looks to maintain their dominance in South American football.

END/MSS/AJ