- Argentina secures critical away win without 8 starters
- Thiago Almada’s 68th-minute strike decides tense CONMEBOL clash
- Scaloni’s squad now requires single point against Brazil to qualify
- Ecuador surges to second place with Valencia brace vs Venezuela
In a display of tactical mastery, Argentina’s reshuffled lineup conquered Uruguay’s fortress at Estadio Centenario on Friday. With Lionel Messi watching from Miami and four other regular starters absent, coach Lionel Scaloni deployed an aggressive 4-4-2 formation that neutralized Marcelo Bielsa’s high-press system. The decisive moment came when 22-year-old Thiago Almada – starting just his third international match – curled a 20-yard shot past Sergio Rochet, showcasing Argentina’s emerging talent pipeline.
The victory extends Argentina’s lead in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying to seven points over third-place Brazil. With 28 points accumulated from 13 matches, La Albiceleste now controls its destiny heading into Tuesday’s historic Maracanã showdown. A draw against their archrivals would mathematically secure one of South America’s six automatic qualification spots – a remarkable achievement given their injury crisis.
Ecuador’s 2-1 victory over Venezuela proved equally consequential, propelling La Tri to second place behind Enner Valencia’s clinical finishing. The 34-year-old striker now boasts 42 international goals, cementing his legacy as Ecuador’s most prolific scorer. This resurgence comes just two years after FIFA deducted three points from Ecuador for fielding an ineligible player – a sanction that nearly derailed their 2022 World Cup campaign.
Brazil faces mounting pressure following Alisson Becker’s suspension and Gabriel Magalhães’ injury. Interim coach Fernando Diniz must now rely on third-choice goalkeeper Weverton against Argentina’s potent attack. Historical data favors the hosts – no South American team has failed to qualify when leading the table after Matchday 13 since the current format began in 1998.
Analysts highlight three critical factors in Argentina’s qualifying dominance: 1) Scaloni’s squad rotation preserving veteran legs 2) CONMEBOL’s increased parity with six direct slots 3) Strategic targeting of away matches against mid-table opponents. This approach contrasts sharply with Uruguay’s reliance on veteran core players – 7 of Friday’s starters were over 30.
The evolving South American football landscape sees traditional powers adapting to new realities. Paraguay’s shock climb to fifth place and Venezuela’s lingering playoff hopes underscore CONMEBOL’s competitive depth. As qualification enters its final stretch, Tuesday’s Argentina-Brazil clash could redefine continental hierarchies ahead of the 2026 World Cup’s unprecedented three-nation hosting.