Argentina, missing Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Rodrigo De Paul, secured a 1-0 win over Uruguay on Friday thanks to Thiago Almada’s stunning 68th-minute strike, bringing them closer to World Cup qualification.
The match lacked clear chances, with both teams managing just one shot on target in the first half. Argentina improved after the break, and Almada’s curling effort from 25 yards beat Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.
The game ended with Argentina down to 10 men after Nicolas Gonzalez’s red card for a high boot on Nahitan Nandez in stoppage time. The dismissal means Gonzalez will miss Argentina’s upcoming match against Brazil, where a point will secure World Cup qualification.
Argentina now lead CONMEBOL with a six-point advantage over second-placed Ecuador and a 15-point buffer over Bolivia in the play-off spot. Uruguay, seven points clear of Bolivia, are also on track for qualification.
