The South American World Cup qualifiers continued with Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador securing victories in their respective matches. These qualifiers are part of the journey towards the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, TSN reported.
Argentina 3-0 Bolivia
Argentina maintained their winning streak in the qualifiers with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bolivia. The match, which took place in the challenging altitude of La Paz, proved to be a test for the World Cup champions, especially with star player Lionel Messi absent from the lineup. However, Argentina overcame the odds to secure the win.
In the first half, Argentina took control of the match, scoring two goals. Enzo Fernández opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a close-range finish from a low cross by veteran Ángel Di María. Di María was also involved in the second goal, providing a free kick that Nicolas Tagliafico converted with his shoulder in the 42nd minute.
2 - Di María 🇦🇷 volvió a asistir por duplicado en un partido de Eliminatorias por primera vez desde octubre de 2012, cuando dio dos pases gol ante Uruguay. Decisivo. pic.twitter.com/RuUurT7ONm
— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) September 12, 2023
Nico González added Argentina's third goal in the 83rd minute with a shot from the edge of the box. The match was made slightly easier for Argentina when Bolivia's Roberto Fernández received a red card in the 39th minute.
Despite the challenging altitude of La Paz, Argentina's performance demonstrated their determination and resilience. Lionel Messi, although not in the starting lineup, watched and applauded the goals from the bench.
Brazil 1-0 Peru
Brazil continued their strong start in the qualifiers with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Peru. The Selecao arrived in Peru after a convincing 5-1 win against Bolivia but faced a tougher challenge in Lima.
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The match featured several VAR decisions, including two disallowed goals for Brazil in the first half. The Selecao dominated the second half but struggled to break down Peru's resolute defense. However, their persistence paid off in the 90th minute when Marquinhos headed in a corner kick taken by Neymar, securing a late win for Brazil.
Interim coach Fernando Diniz's new system for Brazil experienced some hiccups, with passing mistakes and moments of frustration. Nevertheless, the victory was seen as crucial, and the team aims to evolve and improve further in the coming matches.
Ecuador 2-1 Uruguay
Ecuador secured a vital win against Uruguay, overcoming their points deficit in the competition standings. Uruguay opened the scoring with Agustín Canobbio in the 38th minute, but Ecuador responded before halftime with a goal from defender Felix Torres.
In the second half, Ecuador continued to dominate the game and displayed their physical style of play. Torres scored his second goal of the match in the 61st minute, giving Ecuador a 2-1 lead. Despite a missed penalty kick by Enner Valencia, Ecuador held on for the victory.
The win marked Ecuador's first in the qualifiers, providing them with momentum for future matches.
The South American World Cup qualifiers remain highly competitive, with Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador securing crucial wins. These victories contribute to their standings in the qualifiers, with the top six teams directly qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The competition also highlights the challenges posed by altitude, VAR decisions, and evolving team dynamics.
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