The team guided by Lionel Messi has taken the lead in the South American qualifiers, while Brazil continues to lag behind.
Argentina, with a narrow victory (1-0) which does not reflect its domination of Peru, takes the lead in South American qualifications for the 2026 World Cup, while Brazil still fails to convince by snatching a draw against Uruguay on Tuesday. A success which also allows the reigning world champions to maintain their first place in the FIFA rankings, while they were under threat from the France team in the event of a draw or defeat.
The world champions (25 points), who had just suffered their third defeat (2-1 in Paraguay, after setbacks against Uruguay and Colombia), moved forward again in the Bombonera of Buenos Aires against the last of this unique group which has not yet won a single match (3 points). With 75% possession in the first period, Argentina stormed the Peruvian goal but Julien Alvarez, well offset by Messi, found the base of the post (22nd). Balls stolen from the eight-time Ballon d’Or to bypass a regrouped defense, or set pieces for the head of Alexis MacAlister tirelessly fled the target until the break.
It was inevitably from Messi that the spark came, with an incursion by the Argentine captain into the area which monopolized four defenders. His perfect delivery found Lautaro Martinez at the penalty spot who rose for a powerful volley from the left for his 32nd goal in the selection. Unstoppable (1-0, 55th). With 25 points, Argentina (8W, 1D, 3D) is ahead of its pursuers. Uruguay (2nd, 20 points) brought home a point from Salvador de Bahia against a Brazil which is still struggling to convince after a pitiful draw (1-1) in Venezuela.
Harmless Brazil
The two victories and the revival seen in October against Chile (2-1), then Peru (4-0) are already far away. Critics came back with a vengeance upon Venezuela’s return over the lack of realism of the attacking duo and the creativity of the midfield. The Raphinha-Vinicius duo was slow to come to the fore when in the 53rd a deep pass from the Barcelonan found the Madrilenian for a left-footed shot grazing the opposite post (53rd). But it was another Real Madrid player who would make the difference. Uruguayan attacking midfielder Federicio Valverde at the left entrance to the area opened his foot for a curling shot which deceived Ederson despite his relaxation (1-0, 54th).
In a finally unbridled match, where possession remained mainly in the Brazilian feet, Raphina saw her cross at the far post pushed back with a header which failed to hit Gerson at the edge of the area. The Flamengo midfielder instantly volleyed with his left foot, his cannon shot leaving Rochet with no chance (1-1, 62nd). No other exploit came to support the unbridled, but at least real, attempts of Vinicius Jr, whose last goal in the Brazilian jersey dates back to June during the Copa America. Brazil (5V, 3D, 4L) is in 5th place (18 points), overtaken by Ecuador (3rd, 19 points) winner (1-0) in Colombia (4th, 19 points).
Surprising Ecuador
Beaten on the gong in Uruguay, after equalizing in stoppage time (3-2), James Rodriguez’s team lost for the first time at home against Ecuador, although it was reduced to ten men. Constant domination and opportunities galore were not enough to erase Enner Valencia’s opening score in the 7th minute following culpable passivity in defense. Ecuador confirms its four goals against Bolivia on Thursday. Bolivia (7th, 13 points) which could only concede a draw (2-2) against Paraguay (6th, 17 points). Venezuela (8th, 12 points), after a surprising start to qualifying, no longer even occupies the place of play-off (the first 6 are directly qualified) after its setback (4-2) in Chile (9th, 9 points). The 13th day in March 2025 will see enticing Uruguay-Argentina (for a revenge of the 2-0 first leg victory at the Bombonera) and Brazil-Colombia.
