Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the 13th round of the South American World Cup qualifiers, held on March 21, 2025, at the Centenário Stadium in Montevideo. This win propels the Argentinians closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as they now need just a draw against Brazil to confirm their spot.
The match started with a rather uneventful first half, where neither team managed to create significant threats on goal. Both teams struggled offensively, and the game was marked by several fouls. Uruguay's attacking efforts were often blunted by the solid defense of Argentina, although the Albiceleste showed some vulnerability in their build-up play. The most notable action came when Giorgian De Arrascaeta of Uruguay had a solitary attempt that was comfortably saved by Argentina's goalkeeper, Dibu Martínez.
The turning point came in the second half when Thiago Almada struck a spectacular goal in the 67th minute. Almada, who previously played for Botafogo, received the ball outside the penalty area and fired a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet with no chance. Almada’s goal proved decisive, giving Argentina the lead and setting the stage for their victory.
Despite increasing pressure from the Uruguayan team, they failed to capitalize on their chances, often shooting well off target. Argentina's defense held firm, and Martínez had to make only a handful of saves, demonstrating the effectiveness of their defensive strategies.
However, the game took a tense turn at the end of the match when Nico González received a red card after a reckless challenge on Nández, but this did not affect the result. This incident underscored the physicality of the match, which had been building throughout the game.
With this victory, Argentina now leads the qualifiers with 28 points, positioning themselves favorably as they head into a crucial match against Brazil on March 25, 2025. They currently sit in a comfortable position, with only five rounds remaining in the qualifiers. Uruguay, meanwhile, is left with 21 points, currently sitting fourth and will face Bolivia in their next match on May 23, 2025.
The significance of the upcoming clash against Brazil cannot be understated. A draw would assure Argentina of their place in the World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The anticipation in Argentina is palpable, and fans are hopeful that their team can secure qualification early.
The match against Uruguay proved that, even without stars like Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez, Argentina has depth and talent within their squad, with Almada stepping up to deliver when called upon. The victory has sparked optimism among fans and players alike, reinforcing the idea that the team is capable of defending their World Cup title.
