Argentina Secure Narrow Win Over Peru in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
On November 20, 2024, Argentina hosted Peru at the iconic Estadio "Bombonera" in Buenos Aires for the 12th round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Despite a lackluster run in recent away matches, the world champions managed to edge out Peru with a 1-0 victory in a game that saw both teams battle hard but fail to break through for much of the match.
Match Overview
Argentina's Dominance at Home
Argentina entered the match with 22 points from 11 games, leading the CONMEBOL standings by a comfortable margin, yet they have not been as dominant as expected in their last few outings. After a defeat to Colombia and a draw against Venezuela, the pressure was on for the Albiceleste to get back to winning ways at home. Playing in Buenos Aires, where they have been nearly invincible in 2024, Argentina remained confident of extending their unbeaten streak at home.
Peru's Struggles
On the other hand, Peru’s qualification hopes are dwindling, sitting second to last in the standings with only 7 points from 11 matches. Their chances for a direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup seem slim, and this match was crucial for them to keep any hopes of a playoff spot alive. Despite some solid performances in the autumn window, including wins over Uruguay and a draw against Colombia, Peru’s struggles on the road continued to haunt them. The absence of Wilder Cartagena due to suspension was a blow, as he had been a key defensive presence for the Peruvian side.
First Half
The match started with a scrappy first half, filled with fouls and stoppages. Argentina dominated possession, with Lionel Messi pulling the strings in midfield. However, despite numerous attempts, they struggled to break down Peru’s defense. Nicolás Tagliafico and Lautaro Martínez both had shots narrowly miss the target, with Martínez even hitting the left post in the 20th minute.
Peru’s defense, marshaled by Carlos Zambrano and Alexander Callens, held firm, limiting Argentina's chances to long-range shots. Messi himself was unable to test Peru’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, with his left-footed attempt from outside the box in the 18th minute sailing wide.
Second Half
The breakthrough came in the 45th minute when Lautaro Martínez scored the match’s only goal. A brilliant pass from Messi found Martínez in the center of the box, where he calmly finished with his left foot to the top-right corner of Gallese’s net. The goal lifted the home side, but despite several other chances, they were unable to add to their tally.
In the 60th minute, Martínez had another opportunity to double Argentina’s lead, but his shot from inside the box went wide. Peru struggled to create much in the second half, with Gianluca Lapadula's long-range free-kick in the 65th minute being the only real attempt of note.
Argentina made several substitutions in the latter stages, with Nehuén Pérez and Leandro Paredes coming on to maintain control in midfield. Despite a few attempts from Peru’s Édison Flores and Lapadula, Argentina's defense, led by Nicolás Otamendi and Tagliafico, kept them at bay.
Final Moments
As the match entered its final minutes, Peru’s frustrations grew. In the 88th minute, Carlos Zambrano received a yellow card for a foul on Messi, and Gianluca Lapadula followed him into the referee's book for a bad challenge. Despite a few set pieces in added time, Peru was unable to find the equalizer.
The match ended 1-0 in favor of Argentina, who now have a commanding lead in the qualifiers. Their performance was not without flaws, but their home strength proved to be the difference. Argentina’s victory keeps them on track for World Cup qualification, while Peru’s hopes of making the tournament are looking increasingly distant.
Post-Match Analysis
For Argentina, this win was essential to maintain their dominance in the CONMEBOL standings. They have yet to lose at home in 2024, and their defense, despite conceding goals in recent away matches, was solid in this contest. Lionel Messi's leadership and assist for the winning goal were crucial, as was Lautaro Martínez’s poise in front of goal.
Peru, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to collect points on the road if they are to have any chance of qualifying. Their defensive solidity was tested and ultimately broken by Argentina, and without Cartagena, they lacked the necessary bite in midfield to challenge the world champions.
Key Statistics
Looking Ahead
Argentina will next face Bolivia, while Peru will have a crucial encounter against Ecuador in their bid to salvage their qualification campaign.
The details of the match events
Video source : Odnoklassniki
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