Despite resting Lionel Messi, Argentina, the world champions, delivered an impressive 3-0 victory against a 10-man Bolivia in La Paz on Tuesday, continuing their unbeaten start in South American World Cup qualifying.
Brazil, too, maintained a perfect record with six points from two games. They secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Peru in Lima thanks to Marquinhos’ 90th-minute match-winning goal.
Unfortunately, Uruguay, led by Marcelo Bielsa, faced a setback as they surrendered their lead, ultimately suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador.
After scoring the winning goal in Thursday’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador, Messi, who has been enduring a demanding schedule with Inter Miami, observed the match from the bench. He wasn’t even listed as a substitute due to his fatigue complaints.
Despite missing their star player, Lionel Scaloni’s team displayed overwhelming strength against Bolivia. Goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Nicolas Gonzalez ensured a remarkable victory.
Chelsea midfielder Fernandez came agonizingly close with a magnificent strike from 30 yards out, but Guillermo Viscarra made an outstanding save. Viscarra then demonstrated his skills again by denying a near-post shot from Julian Alvarez.
In the 31st minute, the dynamic Alvarez played a crucial role in Argentina’s first goal, delivering a pass to Angel Di Maria. Di Maria’s low cross was expertly converted by Fernandez, who had executed a perfectly timed run into the box.
Bolivia’s challenge became even more daunting eight minutes later when Roberto Fernandez was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Cristian Romero.
At halftime, Argentina held a comfortable 2-0 lead. This was courtesy of Tagliafico, who met a well-placed free-kick from Di Maria with a header that arched over Viscarra.
The three-time World Cup champions maintained complete dominance in the second half. Alvarez struck the post in the 70th minute, and Viscarra was kept on his toes by attempts from Rodrigo De Paul and Di Maria.
Seven minutes from the final whistle, Gonzalez sealed the victory with a left-footed strike after more uncertain defending from the home team, who have now suffered defeats in both of their opening games.
Scaloni expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, emphasizing their fearlessness in possession. He also provided an explanation for Messi’s absence.
“He attempted to recuperate, but Lionel didn’t feel comfortable and ready to play,” he stated.
Brazil faced a resolute Peru side and appeared poised for frustration when Pedro Gallese made a spectacular save to deny Raphinha’s powerful shot in the 72nd minute. However, in the dying moments, Neymar delivered a corner, and Marquinhos met it with a sublime glancing header that found the far corner of the net.
Meanwhile, Colombia had to settle for a single point in a disappointing goalless draw against Chile in Santiago. Despite having Alexis Sanchez back in the starting lineup, Chile controlled possession and played intelligent football, but both teams struggled to find a cutting edge.
After an impressive start to his tenure as manager of Uruguay, Argentine Bielsa witnessed his team succumb to two goals from Ecuador’s defender Felix Torres in Quito.
In the 38th minute, Uruguay seized the lead courtesy of Agustin Canobbio. However, just before halftime, Torres leaped to meet a Moises Caicedo cross with a powerful header, drawing the home side level.
Ecuador had a chance to take the lead in the second half with a penalty, but Enner Valencia’s attempt went wide in a disappointing fashion. Nevertheless, Torres once again demonstrated his prowess by netting the decisive goal. He slid into a congested box to slot home a low cross delivered by 16-year-old Kendry Paez.
