World champions Argentina continued their impressive run in the South American World Cup qualifiers, edging past Peru 1-0 on Tuesday. A moment of brilliance from Lautaro Martinez, assisted by Lionel Messi, proved decisive at the iconic Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.
The match saw a lackluster performance overall from Lionel Scaloni’s team, but Martinez delivered the game’s highlight in the 32nd minute. Messi floated a pinpoint cross from the left, which the Inter Milan striker met with a stunning left-footed volley, sending the ball past Peru’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
LIONEL MESSI WITH AN INSANE ASSIST, LAUTARO WITH AN INSANE GOAL
— MC (@CrewsMat10) November 20, 2024
pic.twitter.com/8CrgijjXYH
This victory marked Argentina’s eighth win from 12 games, solidifying their position at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points. With only a handful of matches remaining, their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup appears imminent.
Brazil Held to a Draw by Uruguay
Meanwhile, five-time World Cup winners Brazil struggled to find their rhythm, drawing 1-1 against Uruguay in Salvador. Federico Valverde gave Uruguay the lead in the 55th minute with a composed finish, but Brazil responded swiftly.
Seven minutes later, Gerson smashed home a volley from a loose clearance, leveling the score. Gabriel Martinelli came close to a winner, but Uruguay’s goalkeeper Sergio Rochet made a fine save to deny the Arsenal forward.
read more: Argentina’s National Football Team, Led by Lionel Messi, to Visit Kerala in 2025
Brazil’s draw leaves them in fifth place with 18 points, a point behind fourth-placed Colombia.
Ecuador Stuns Colombia in a Dramatic Encounter
Ecuador secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Colombia in Barranquilla. Veteran striker Enner Valencia delivered a stunning solo goal in the seventh minute, weaving past three defenders before slotting the ball into the net.
Colombia had chances to equalize, with Jhon Cordoba missing a golden opportunity and James Rodriguez seeing his free-kick saved by Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. Despite relentless attacks, Ecuador’s defense held firm, frustrating Colombia’s efforts in the second half.
Paraguay Salvages a Point Against Bolivia
Paraguay earned a 2-2 draw against Bolivia in an intense match in La Paz. Bolivia took an early lead through Ervin Vaca’s strike in the 15th minute, but Newcastle United’s Miguel Almiron equalized in the 71st with a clinical finish.
Bolivia regained the lead in the 80th minute through a Miguel Terceros penalty, but Paraguay’s Julio Enciso delivered a moment of magic in stoppage time. Dribbling from deep, Enciso unleashed a thunderous 20-yard strike to secure a dramatic draw.
Chile Boosts Qualification Hopes
Ninth-placed Chile kept their faint qualification hopes alive with a resounding 4-2 victory over Venezuela. The win provided a much-needed boost as they aim for one of the six automatic qualification spots.
CONMEBOL Standings Update
With Argentina leading the table and Brazil facing mounting pressure, the South American qualifiers are heating up as teams battle for coveted spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The upcoming fixtures promise more drama and decisive moments as the race intensifies.
Discover more from RVCJ News Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
