A stunning volley from Lautaro Martínez sealed a 1-0 win for world champions Argentina against Peru, while Uruguay held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in Tuesday’s South American World Cup qualifiers.
Argentina remains on top of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points after eight wins in 12 games, inching closer to qualification for the 2026 tournament. Though it wasn’t Argentina’s best performance, Martínez’s strike at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires made the difference. The Inter Milan striker connected perfectly with a cross from Lionel Messi, sending a powerful volley past Peru’s Pedro Gallese.
In another match, Brazil, playing at home in Salvador, struggled to a 1-1 draw against Uruguay. Federico Valverde put Uruguay ahead in the 55th minute with a composed finish, but Brazil responded quickly. Gerson’s volley brought the hosts level seven minutes later. Gabriel Martinelli nearly clinched a win for Brazil, but his late shot was brilliantly saved by Sergio Rochet. The result leaves Brazil in fifth place with 18 points, one behind fourth-placed Colombia.
Colombia Falls to Ecuador
Colombia faced a shock 1-0 loss to Ecuador in Barranquilla. Enner Valencia’s solo effort in the seventh minute gave Ecuador an early lead, and they held on despite being reduced to 10 men. Liverpool’s Luis Díaz came close to equalizing for Colombia, hitting the post with a header late in the game.
Other Results
In Bolivia, Paraguay managed a 2-2 draw. Miguel Almirón equalized in the 71st minute after Ervin Vaca’s opener, and Julio Enciso secured a point in stoppage time with a brilliant solo goal. Chile kept their slim qualification hopes alive with a commanding 4-2 victory over Venezuela.
As the qualifiers progress, the race for 2026 World Cup spots intensifies, with South America’s giants facing both challenges and opportunities in the remaining matches.
(Punch)
