In Friday's World Cup qualifier, Argentina defeated Uruguay 1-0 thanks to a single player who made the difference. Furthermore, Lionel Messi was not his name.
With two South American powerhouses facing off, the Centenario would always be an intense event. Yet, there wasn't much football played because of the tight environment on the field.
In the first five minutes of this match, there were just six shots combined, and there were nine more fouls recorded. Naturally, tensions rose, and even with the talent on hand, there was still no goal long into the second half.
Then, in the end, a single magical moment—something that typically falls on the shoulders of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi—proved the difference.
But because the Inter Miami star was injured, Argentina had to rely on Thiago Almada and Julian Alvarez to provide the game-winning goal.
Outside the box, the Atletico Madrid starlet gave the ball to his countryman after dancing around Uruguay's defense on the left wing.
Goalie Sergio Rochet had no chance as the Lyon offensive midfielder took one touch and picked out the top right corner.
It was Almada's second goal in the qualifications and his third in seven games for Argentina.
However, Argentina's hopes were dashed when substitute Nicolás González was sent off after kicking Nahitan Nández in the face in the last seconds.
According to the table, Uruguay is eight points behind Argentina in fourth place, while Argentina leads the CONMEBOL qualifiers by six points.
With two South American powerhouses facing off, the Centenario would always be an intense event. Yet, there wasn't much football played because of the tight environment on the field.
In the first five minutes of this match, there were just six shots combined, and there were nine more fouls recorded. Naturally, tensions rose, and even with the talent on hand, there was still no goal long into the second half.
Then, in the end, a single magical moment—something that typically falls on the shoulders of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi—proved the difference.
But because the Inter Miami star was injured, Argentina had to rely on Thiago Almada and Julian Alvarez to provide the game-winning goal.
Outside the box, the Atletico Madrid starlet gave the ball to his countryman after dancing around Uruguay's defense on the left wing.
Goalie Sergio Rochet had no chance as the Lyon offensive midfielder took one touch and picked out the top right corner.
It was Almada's second goal in the qualifications and his third in seven games for Argentina.
However, Argentina's hopes were dashed when substitute Nicolás González was sent off after kicking Nahitan Nández in the face in the last seconds.
According to the table, Uruguay is eight points behind Argentina in fourth place, while Argentina leads the CONMEBOL qualifiers by six points.


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