In a thrilling encounter marking the 13th round of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, Uruguay faced off against Argentina at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo on March 21, 2025. The match, which kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET, showcased two contrasting styles of football and held significant implications for both teams in their bid for qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
Leading into this highly anticipated match, Argentina enjoyed a five-point advantage over Uruguay in the qualification standings, establishing themselves at the top with a robust campaign. The reigning World Cup champions, despite missing their star player Lionel Messi, were determined to solidify their position and edge closer to qualification.
Argentina's approach contrasted sharply with Uruguay's. While Uruguay embraced a more intense style characterized by aggressive tackling and pressing—averaging 9.2 interceptions and 19 tackles per game—Argentina adopted a strategy centered around maintaining possession, boasting an impressive 66% average in ball control along with an 88% pass completion rate. Both teams were firmly focused on securing crucial points, but clear-cut opportunities to score were hard to come by in the match.
The first half brought an uneventful display of football, with a scoreless lock as the halftime whistle blew. Various attempts on goal saw players like Paredes and Fernandez fail to hit the target, while Uruguay's Fede Valverde demonstrated his prowess with 36 touches and 30 successful passes. Both teams went into the break, perhaps needing a bit more urgency.
However, the second half saw Argentina finally breaking the deadlock. Thiago Almada struck decisively in the 68th minute, scoring the only goal of the match and leading Argentina to a 1-0 victory. Uruguay's coach Marcelo Bielsa had little option but to substitute Valverde later in the match, as the Real Madrid midfielder had played a grueling 70 minutes.
This defeat left Uruguay in a precarious position, still holding onto fourth place in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, but with pressure mounting as their next fixture would see them travel to face Bolivia. As for Argentina, this victory not only maintained their strong lead but also propelled them closer to securing their place in the World Cup with five qualifying matches remaining.
The contrasting styles of both teams were apparent throughout the match, encapsulating the unique nature of South American football. While Uruguay was known for their direct, pressing game, Argentina demonstrated the strength of structure and technique. Even without Messi, they showcased impressive depth in talent, with players like Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez stepping up to fill the void.
Looking ahead, Uruguay must regroup quickly and turn their attention to their upcoming match against Bolivia, where they will need a solid performance to maintain their qualification hopes. Argentina, on the other hand, will be eager to capitalize on this momentum as they move forward in the qualification stages, with only five matches left before the World Cup.
This match serves as a reminder of the fierce competition in the CONMEBOL region and the uphill battle teams face as they strive for a coveted spot in the upcoming World Cup.
