Axel Allag, Media365, published on Wednesday November 20, 2024 at 8:23 a.m.
Argentina will end the year well in the lead in qualifying for the next World Cup due to its success against Peru (1-0). Behind the Albiceleste, Uruguay shared the points against Brazil (1-1) and Colombia was surprised by Ecuador (0-1).
There will be no first place in the FIFA rankings for the Blues. The French team had to count on a misstep from the Albiceleste against Peru in order to climb to the top of the register for the first time since September 2018, but Lionel Messi's teammates did not flinch and were able to recover after their defeat against Paraguay (2-1). At the Bombonera, it was Lautaro Martinez who freed Lionel Scaloni's players with a superb volley following a broken cross from his captain (1-0, 54th). Thus, Argentina ended the year 2024 on a good note without necessarily demonstrating shimmering football but the results of the night were favorable to the world champions.
Brazil dominates but does not win
Indeed, 5 points separate the Albiceleste from its first pursuer, namely Uruguay of Marcelo Bielsa. Opposed to Brazil, Celeste was dominated but it was they who opened the scoring in the 55th minute thanks to a shot from 18 meters from Federico Valverde (0-1, 55th). However, the doubt did not last long for the Seleção who equalized almost immediately following a volley from Gerson following a poor return from the opposing defense (1-1, 62nd). Although he tried a lot, Brazil was therefore neutralized and now remains 5th in qualifying (the first 6 qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup).
In the other results of the night, it should be noted that the surprising Ecuador claimed the scalp of Colombia with its only shot on target of the match, namely the victorious one from Enner Valencia (0-1, 7th). Dominated in great widths and reduced to 10 due to the expulsion of Piero Hincapié in the 34th minute, the team led by Sebastián Beccacece climbed to 3rd place in qualifying while Colombia is just below, at the 4th with the same number of points (19).
