Argentina secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Uruguay on Friday, March 21, 2025, in a crucial World Cup qualifying match. Despite being without star players Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez, the Argentine team displayed resilience and skill, thanks to an impressive goal from Thiago Almada.
Almada's curling effort in the 68th minute of the encounter proved decisive, pushing Argentina one step closer to securing their place in the upcoming World Cup. The match unfolded in Montevideo, where both teams battled intensely but struggled to create meaningful chances. Argentina finished the game with only one shot on target in the first half, reflecting a lack of offensive fluidity that would have been concerning under normal circumstances.
The absence of Messi, who was sidelined with an adductor injury from an earlier MLS match with Inter Miami, was keenly felt by Argentina. Without their talisman and Lautaro Martinez, the squad's cohesion and ability to maneuver through the opposition's defense were significantly hindered.
Initially, the match saw both teams exchanging few threats. In the first half, the overall momentum was low, with goalkeepers Sergio Rochet for Uruguay and Emiliano Martinez for Argentina remaining largely unchallenged. Both teams managed only a singular shot on target during that period, highlighting the defensive focus each team undertook.
However, the game picked up after the break as Argentina began to find their rhythm, forcing a smart save from Rochet shortly before Almada's breakthrough. With the clock ticking, Almada unleashed a stunning shot from 25 yards out, curling beautifully into the far corner beyond Rochet's grasp. This goal not only added to Almada's growing reputation but also showcased Argentina's capacity to adapt and score even when facing adversity.
Following the goal, Marcelo Bielsa's side struggled to respond effectively to the pressure, finding it increasingly difficult to penetrate Argentina's resolute defense. Adding to their woes, substitute Nicolas Gonzalez received a straight red card deep into stoppage time, raising concerns for Argentina as he will be unavailable for their upcoming clash with Brazil on March 25. Gonzalez's dismissal came after a reckless challenge on Nahitan Nandez, leaving his teammates to navigate their next match without his contributions.
This game’s statistics painted a clear picture of the contrasts between the two sides. Argentina had just 44.9% possession overall, significantly lower than Uruguay’s 55.1%. The visitors made only 45 entries into the final third, while Uruguay dominated with 77 entries, suggesting an intense but ultimately futile effort from the host side. On the expected goals (xG) metric, Argentina’s figure stood at a modest 0.71, compared to Uruguay’s paltry 0.19. This underlined the efficacy of Argentina's defense, which has now allowed the fewest shots and expected goals against in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings.
The win leaves Argentina in a strong position in the table, six points clear of second-placed Ecuador and a staggering 15 points ahead of Bolivia, who sit in the playoff spot. A draw against Brazil in their next outing will seal their spot in the 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
As the tournament edges closer, this victory could serve as a pivotal moment for the team. Argentina has proved they can cope without their star player, sending a strong message to their rivals in the process. The resilience and ability to secure a victory under pressure speak volumes about their readiness for the challenges ahead in international football.
