Argentina won the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Uruguay at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo by a tense 1-0 score in the March 21st contest of 2025. This match brought out the historic South American rivalry between the teams through intense tactical battles that led to a single goal by Albiceleste which secured their victory. Deciding the match through a spectacular second-half goal from Thiago Almada helped Argentina secure victory despite their strong defensive play against Uruguay to gain essential points.
First Half: A Battle of Attrition
Early Dominance by Uruguay
The beginning of the fixture started with Uruguay claiming dominance through enthusiastic home support. Coach Marcelo Bielsa used his aggressive pressing tactics to trap Argentina inside their half for most of the initial period. In the 12th minute of play Darwin Núñez attempted a header from Valverde’s perfect cross but Emiliano Martínez successfully prevented it from becoming a goal. The Argentine team captain Valverde launched a shot from distance yet his teammate Martinez—who marked his 50th Argentina appearance—maintained his position.
The tactical backbone of Uruguay’s midfield led by Manuel Ugarte controlled the match speed and Joaquín Piquerez and Nahitan Nández applied pressure from the wing-back positions. Despite possessing the ball 62% of the time during the first half Uruguay did not succeed in turning their relentless attack into clean scoring opportunities.
Argentina’s Defensive Resilience
Argentina used a conservative tactical framework under Lionel Scaloni because they lacked both Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez who were injured. Romero and Tagliafico together with Romero at the back of the defense handled Uruguay’s early offensive pressure with collected discipline. Romero made a crucial interception against Núñez in the 25th minute and Tagliafico dedicated himself to preventing Luis Suárez from threatening during his return as a starter.
Enzo Fernández and Leandro Paredes conducted non-stop harassing runs in midfield to disrupt Uruguay’s offensive flow while Argentina experienced problems in building uniting moves. From his position at halftime forward Julián Álvarez contributed by stretching the defense of José María Giménez as well as Ronald Araújo. Both teams finished the first half scoreless because Argentina preferred to protect their lead while waiting patiently for opportunities to strike.
Second Half: Almada’s Magic Unlocks the Game
Tactical Shift Sparks Argentina
The team adjustments made by Scaloni during halftime brought new energy to Argentina. The arrival of Alexis Mac Allister for Rodrigo De Paul enhanced the midfield with movement while allowing Fernández and Paredes to move up the pitch. Uruguay kept their defense secure throughout the middle of the match as Mac Allister provided the pass which allowed Álvarez to strike but Rochet made a routine save.
Argentina achieved their game-defining moment during the 68th minute. A short combination between Fernández and Mac Allister delivered the ball to Thiago Almada in the attacking position outside the penalty area. A key player in Messi’s absence players for Atlanta United followed his touch with a well-curled shot which outpaced Rochet into the net to score. All sounds ceased at that moment except for the raucous cheers erupting from Argentina fans in the stands. Such a goal had all the qualities to win any match thanks to its precise execution and controlled delivery and bold nature.
Uruguay’s Response Falters
Uruguay intensified their efforts after the opposition scored but failed to achieve desired results. Bielsa introduced Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Facundo Pellistri as substitutes yet their entry failed to generate any positive result in the game. Uruquay wasted an outstanding scoring chance during the 75th minute when Núñez shot wide from point-blank range after Suárez made a quick pass in front. Dependable Uruguay midfielder Valverde wasted an important free-kick as the Celeste players grew agitated during the match.
In the 82nd minute of the match Suárez headed at goal before Romero defended to keep his team in front. Mercifully Uruguay refused to argue when the video evidence confirmed the ball hit Romero’s shoulder while the official allowed the match to continue. Many spectators found it confusing when Bielsa replaced attacking players Núñez and Valverde with substituteativa De La Cruz and Cavani in the final stages of match.
Late Drama and Argentina’s Grit
González Sees Red
The stoppage time arrived while players from both teams remained at boiling levels. Substitute González attempted a sliding tackle on Nández before using his leg to hit the Uruguayan in an excessive manner. The match official immediately showed a red card to Argentina which left them with only 10 players to finish the last three minutes. The disciplinary action against González eliminates him from participating in Argentina’s upcoming match against Brazil scheduled for March 25.
The numerical disadvantage did not stop Argentina from defending their position. A late corner kicked in by Martínez turned out to be a non-threat as Romero used his height advantage to defend against any final strike. The stadium erupted into festive atmosphere after the final whistle when players and staff celebrated their victory which Almada initiated with his brilliant performance.
Standout Performances
Thiago Almada received the Player of the Match recognition after scoring the decisive strike in addition to generating several promising and steadiest performances in the match. The crucial impact made by Emiliano Martínez was highlighted through his three saves as he brought his status as a world-class goalkeeper to the front. Federico Valverde provided his best efforts in the midfield for Uruguay yet failed to generate a comeback while Núñez missed crucial goal-scoring opportunities in front of goal.
Broader Implications
Argentina’s Qualifying Dominance
The victory cements Argentina’s position atop the CONMEBOL standings with 28 points from 13 matches. The Albiceleste maintains a secure position for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada since their five-point advantage over Colombia. The team’s depth and flexibility under Scaloni’s guidance shows ominous strength against competitors because he consistently manages three crucial players’ injuries including those of Messi, Martínez and González.
Uruguay’s Struggles Continue
Uruguay remains in fourth position of the CONMEBOL standings with 20 points after falling to Brazil yet they retain their qualifying position yet face rising pressure due to their performance. Bielsa’s team suffers from below-par home performance and uninspiring finishing abilities which have troubled the team throughout the season. Uruguay faces crucial World Cup qualifier games against Bolivia and Brazil as they attempt to obtain their berth for the tournament.
Looking Ahead
Next Challenges
Argentina will face their Brazilian rivals at Buenos Aires on March 25 in what may turn out to be their qualification decider match. A squad depth assessment will take shape after González’s omission while Messi’s potential comeback gives the team a strong potential advantage. The Bolivian national team welcomes Uruguay in La Paz as they host their World Cup qualifying match in a challenging setting with an elevated playing altitude. Bielsa needs to inspire his players to prevent additional errors.
Emerging Stars
This competition allowed viewers to witness rising young players demonstrate their talents. Almada’s rapidly growing soccer career showcases his desire to help Argentina accomplish its next step beyond Messi’s era. Facundo Pellistri showed signs of his potential during his Uruguay substitute appearance but his 23-year-old development requires sustained attacking reliability.
Final Thoughts
Argentina secured a historic 1-0 victory that displayed their fighting spirit and exposed the chances Uruguay should have converted. Through Almada’s exceptional strike the teams remained separated while the contest showcased the precise boundary lines which shape South American football matches. Both Argentina and Uruguay will recall the night of their Montevideo match when the qualifiers start intensifying because Argentina feels triumphant while Uruguay suffers regret.
- Key Moment: Thiago Almada’s 68th-minute wondergoal.
- Player of the Match: Thiago Almada (Argentina).
- Attendance: 55,000 at Estadio Centenario.
- Current Standings: Argentina (28 pts), Uruguay (20 pts).
