Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Di Maria goal gives Argentina win at Uruguay

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Friday, 12 November 2021 17:15

Argentina started without Lionel Messi but a moment of magic from Angel Di Maria was enough to give them a barely deserved 1-0 win over Uruguay in Friday's World Cup qualifier in Montevideo.

Uruguay surrendered meekly to Argentina in a 3-0 defeat last month but this time they took the game to their opponents and will feel aggrieved at emerging pointless after having more of the chances in front of their home fans.

- ESPN+ viewers' guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more

"Sometimes you just have to win and we managed that," Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni said. "Not playing well, certainly, but it still counts."

However, one moment of brilliance from Di Maria was enough to settle the match.

Young Uruguayan left back Joaquin Piquerez lost possession on the edge of the penalty area after six minutes and Di Maria curled a sublime shot over helpless keeper Fernando Muslera.

Luis Suarez had already forced Emiliano Martinez into a good save at the other end and the Atletico Madrid striker also hit the post after half an hour.

The second half was more even and both keepers had to make important saves but Uruguay's lack of firepower -- they have now scored only two goals in their last five games -- meant they struggled against a typically solid Argentine team.

Goalkeeper Martinez was also fortunate in the dying minutes when first Julian Alvarez put a free header over the bar and then the keeper fumbled a long range shot but was able to recover before it crept into the net behind him.

Messi, who missed his last two Paris Saint-Germain games through injury, replaced Giovani Lo Celso with 14 minutes left for Argentina but made little impact for a side that saw their unbeaten streak increase to 26 games, a run that stretches back more than two years.

"They put pressure on us, they have experienced players, but we were lucky to be able to maintain our unbeaten run and get all three points," defender Nicolas Otamendi said.

"We know how difficult it is to play here and we knew that they were under a lot of pressure to win. We had to be strong when the game got complicated but we were able to keep a clean sheet."

The three points takes them on to 28 points, six behind Brazil, who on Thursday became the first South American team to guarantee their place in Qatar 2022 after beating Colombia 1-0.

The top four teams qualify automatically for the finals and the fifth-placed side go into an inter-regional playoff.

Uruguay remain on 16 points, fourth equal with Chile and Colombia.

They head to Bolivia to face the home side at high altitude on Tuesday, while Argentina are at home to Brazil the same night.

Read 238 times

Soccer

Ange laments Spurs' wastefulness in Roma draw

Ange laments Spurs' wastefulness in Roma draw

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLONDON -- Ange Postecoglou lamented his Tottenham Hotspur side's wa...

Amorim admits anxiety despite first Man Utd win

Amorim admits anxiety despite first Man Utd win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRuben Amorim has said his Manchester United side are causing him to...

Rasmus Højlund's performances could define Ruben Amorim's stint at Man United

Rasmus Højlund's performances could define Ruben Amorim's stint at Man United

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMANCHESTER, England -- Manchester United are up and running under R...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Leaks, team meetings, losses: The factors driving the Sixers' dreadful start

Leaks, team meetings, losses: The factors driving the Sixers' dreadful start

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTHE JULY 6 POST on Daryl Morey's Instagram page is even more perfec...

Injury-plagued Beal hobbles off in loss to Nets

Injury-plagued Beal hobbles off in loss to Nets

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHOENIX -- Suns guard Bradley Beal limped off the court in the four...

Baseball

Dodgers minor leaguer suspended for doping

Dodgers minor leaguer suspended for doping

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Jose D. Hernandez was sus...

Crawford, 2-time WS champ with Giants, retires

Crawford, 2-time WS champ with Giants, retires

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN FRANCISCO -- Brandon Crawford is retiring after 14 major league...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated