South American World Cup Qualifying: Argentina Drops Points for the First Time, Colombia and Uruguay Draw, Messi Provides Highlights

In contrast to Argentina, the World Cup record champions dropped points for the first time.

Behind the two favorites, the fight for one of the six direct tickets for the ten teams on the South American continent is fully on.

Colombia (5 points) and Uruguay (4) drew 2:2 (1:0).

Chile (4) made up ground with a 2-0 (0-0) against Peru, as did Ecuador (3), which moved behind Venezuela (4) with a 2-1 (1-0) in Bolivia.

Messi just came on as a substitute

In Argentina, captain Messi only got involved shortly after the break due to muscular problems, but he still provided highlights with an almost immediately converted corner and a magical free kick that hit the post.

However, the match winners of the evening were defender Nicolas Otamendi with his spectacular goal (3rd) and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is now the new record holder in the national jersey with 621 minutes without conceding a goal.

Brazil, which struggled for a long time and missed many chances, seemed to be on the road to victory after central defender Gabriel Magalhaes’ header (50′), but had to accept an equalizer shortly before the end thanks to a remarkable side kick from Eduard Bello (85′).

As expected, Colombia and Uruguay provided the best game of the day despite tropical temperatures in Barranquilla.

James scores for Colombia

Ex-Munich player James Rodriguez (35th), who is now fighting for a regular place at Brazil’s cup winners FC Sao Paulo, and Mateus Uribe (52nd), assisted by Bremen’s Rafael Borre, put the Cafeteros in the lead twice. Mathias Oliveira (47th) and Darwin Nunez (90th + 1) with a penalty kick provided the ultimately deserved equalizer.

The duel between arch-rivals Uruguay and Brazil continues in Montevideo on Tuesday. Argentina travels to Peru, who are still without a win.

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2023-10-13 14:57:58
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