Uruguay is set to host Argentina on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the iconic Centenario Stadium for a crucial match in the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers. The game kicks off at 20:30 (UTC-3), and both teams are eager to secure important points in their quest for qualification.
Under the leadership of coach Marcelo Bielsa, the Uruguayan side will be unable to field the same team that triumphed 2-0 against Argentina last November in La Bombonera, where Ronald Araujo and Darwin Núñez scored to give La Celeste a convincing victory.
This time around, Uruguay is poised to adopt a 4-3-3 formation, which is likely to feature Sergio Rochet in goal, with a defensive line of Nahitan Nandez, Ronald Araujo, José María Giménez, and Mathías Olivera. The midfield will be strengthened by Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur, alongside Giorgian De Arrascaeta while the attack will see Facundo Pellistri, Darwin Núñez, and Maxi Araújo leading the front line.
However, Bielsa faces some notable absences due to suspensions and injuries. Manuel Ugarte is serving a suspension and won't participate in this match, while Matías Viña hasn’t been included in the squad as he is recovering from knee surgery performed last August following a tibial fracture.
During the previous encounter on November 16, 2023, Uruguay lined up with a slightly different formation that included Sebastián Cáceres instead of Nandez, and it proved effective with two goals bolstering their current ranking in the qualifiers.
Adding to the excitement of this World Cup Qualifiers matchup, Bielsa has taken a chance by including Federico Viñas, the forward from Spain’s Segunda División side, Oviedo, who is seen as a valuable asset to the team despite being a fresh face in the squad.
The coach's selection process included other absentees such as Kevin Martínez, Lucas Agazzi, Paolo Calione, Patricio Pacífico, José Luis Rodríguez, Joaquín Piquerez, Emiliano Martínez, Germán Barbas, Facundo Torres, Paolo Suárez, Cristian Olivera, Joaquín Lavega, and Agustín Álvarez Martínez.
Bielsa is anticipated to utilize much of his squad in the upcoming match against Bolivia on March 25, 2025, at El Alto, where altitude plays a significant role. He may look to make radical changes benefiting players who didn't see action against Argentina.
As kickoff approaches, the streets of Montevideo are electrified with excitement for this clash of titans. Fans from both nations are expected to fill the stadium, making it a lively atmosphere filled with chants and local pride.
In the world of football, few rivalries are as intense as that of Uruguay and Argentina, given their long history intertwined with moments of brilliance and heartbreak. The anticipation builds as fans prepare for what promises to be an exciting encounter at the Centenario Stadium later this evening.
As Uruguay readies to reclaim its place among the giants of international football, it will take the collective effort of its imposing squad to deliver a remarkable performance against their South American rivals.
