Argentina Solidify CONMEBOL Lead with Narrow Victory Over Peru
A spectacular volley from Lautaro Martínez secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Argentina over Peru in Buenos Aires during South American World Cup qualifying. While the performance from the reigning world champions lacked their usual fluency, Martínez’s moment of brilliance proved decisive.
Lionel Scaloni’s team, already favorites to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, extended their dominance atop the CONMEBOL standings with their eighth win in 12 matches, tallying 25 points.
The game unfolded as a test of patience for Argentina. Despite dominating possession, clear chances were scarce. Julián Álvarez came closest in the first half, striking the post after an incisive move by Martínez. The breakthrough arrived in the second half when Lionel Messi delivered a pinpoint cross from the left flank, which Martínez met with an acrobatic left-footed volley, beating Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese emphatically.
The victory highlighted Argentina’s ability to grind out results even on nights when their attacking fluidity eludes them, reinforcing their status as favorites to top the group.
Ten-Man Ecuador Overcome Colombia in Barranquilla
Ecuador delivered a statement performance in Barranquilla, overcoming Colombia 1-0 despite playing much of the match with ten men. The result propelled Ecuador into third place in the 10-team qualifying group, reflecting their resilience under head coach Sebastián Beccacece.
Veteran forward Enner Valencia opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a stunning solo effort. Breaking away from three Colombian defenders, Valencia surged into the box and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper, silencing the home crowd.
Colombia, however, squandered multiple opportunities to equalize. Jhon Córdoba missed a gilt-edged chance after a clever setup by James Rodríguez, stumbling at close range. The turning point came in the 34th minute when Ecuador's Piero Hincapié was sent off for a foul on Córdoba as the striker rounded goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez. Despite protests and a VAR review, the referee upheld the decision.
Galíndez remained pivotal for Ecuador, making critical saves throughout the match, including a close-range stop from Córdoba and a parry to deny substitute Jhon Durán. Colombia’s frustrations mounted in the second half as their finishing faltered, with Córdoba missing another clear opportunity late in the game.
The result underscores Ecuador’s defensive discipline and adaptability, solidifying their position as strong contenders in the qualification campaign.
South America
Paraguay Rescue a Point in Dramatic 2-2 Draw with Bolivia
In La Paz, Paraguay salvaged a late draw against Bolivia, thanks to a stunning stoppage-time strike from Julio Enciso. Ervin Vaca had given Bolivia an early lead in the 15th minute, but Newcastle United’s Miguel Almirón equalized in the 71st minute with a clinical finish.
Bolivia regained the advantage through a Miguel Terceros penalty after Gustavo Gómez’s foul in the box. However, Enciso’s remarkable solo run and thunderous 20-yard drive in injury time ensured a share of the spoils. The match was marred by bench protests that saw red cards issued to substitutes Adalid Terrazas (Bolivia) and Diego Gómez (Paraguay).
Chile Revive Hopes with Thrilling 4-2 Victory Over Venezuela
Chile bolstered their slim chances of securing an automatic qualification spot with a commanding 4-2 win over Venezuela. Jefferson Savarino opened the scoring for the visitors with a stunning long-range effort, but Eduardo Vargas responded swiftly for Chile.
Despite an own goal from Venezuela’s Tomás Rincón leveling the game at 2-2, Lucas Capeda struck twice—once before halftime and again immediately after the restart—to seal the victory. Capeda’s clinical finishing capped off a strong counterattacking display, earning Chile their second win of the campaign and injecting life into their qualification bid.
These results highlight the fierce competition in South America as teams battle for a place in the 2026 World Cup, with standout performances, defensive resilience, and moments of brilliance shaping the landscape.
