Argentina might be a dangerous group whilst it ultimately qualifies for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar due to the fact it could win in so many ways. It moved closer to reserving that price tag with a hard-fought 1-0 in Uruguay and it didn't even want celeb Lionel Messi to hold it this time.
The Albiceleste (2d, 28 factors) scored a gem of a goal thru Angel Di Maria, who wore the captain's armband in Messi's stead, after which hung on for the shutout although Uruguay had it in opposition to the ropes on multiple events. Goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez changed into the standout for Argentina with several surehanded stops at some point of the night time as Uruguay tested him with numerous attacking flurries, outshooting Argentina 19-7.
Messi, who recently overlooked matches for his club team Paris Saint-Germain due to hamstring and knee accidents, started out on the bench and entered for the final 15 minutes. It turned into extra of a warmup stint for Messi, who didn't need to do much with Argentina sitting again and absorbing the Uruguay pressure.
MORE: CONMEBOL qualifying standings, time table & highlights
It become a disappointing end result for Uruguay, which changed into left stuck in 6th area in a logjam of teams preventing for fourth- and 5th-region. Only the top four groups earn direct berths to Qatar 2022, whilst 5th-vicinity earns a gap in a play-in collection. Uruguay forward Luis Suarez hit the put up in the first 1/2, Matias Vecino got here close and Agustin Alvarez had two respectable seems in the direction of the cease of the match, however a decimated Uruguay team could not find a manner to get at the board.
Argentina, which received the Copa America over the summer time, prolonged its unbeaten run to 26 suits and counting. Next up is a should-watch in shape in opposition to qualifying leaders Brazil on Tuesday.
Goals: ARG — Angel Di Maria (Paulo Dybala) — seventh min.
(All times Eastern)
90th min.: Four minutes of stoppage time. Argentina goes to discover a way to tug this out. Incredible.
