Argentina Defeats Peru 1-0, Finishing 2024 as Top Leader in World Cup Qualifiers
Argentina closed out 2024 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Peru at La Bombonera, maintaining their position as the leaders of the South American World Cup qualifiers. The win came thanks to an outstanding volley from Lautaro Martínez in the 55th minute, which secured three crucial points for the Albiceleste.
Under the leadership of coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina controlled the game for the majority of the match. However, despite creating numerous chances in the first half, including near-misses from Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Gonzalo Montiel, they couldn’t break the deadlock before halftime. The first 45 minutes saw Argentina dominate possession, with more than 75% of the ball, but their finishing was off, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
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The second half started slowly for the hosts, with Peru defending resolutely and looking to frustrate the Argentine attack. Yet, the moment of brilliance arrived when Lionel Messi, ever the playmaker, provided a sublime assist to Lautaro Martínez. The Inter Milan striker then unleashed a spectacular left-footed volley that flew into the top corner, leaving Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese with no chance. This goal not only gave Argentina the lead but also marked a personal milestone for Lautaro, who equaled Diego Maradona's goal tally for the national team.
Despite a few more opportunities for Argentina to extend their lead, including a close attempt from Martínez himself, the game remained 1-0. Argentina's defense, led by Nicolás Otamendi and the ever-reliable Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez in goal, comfortably held off any threats from Peru, who struggled to create meaningful chances.
This victory ensured Argentina finished 2024 at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with 25 points, maintaining their position as the No. 1 ranked team in the FIFA standings. For Peru, the defeat left them languishing at the bottom of the table, still searching for their first win in the qualifiers.
Looking ahead, Argentina will face Uruguay in March 2025 and Brazil at home in Buenos Aires, both crucial matchups in their quest to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup. As for Peru, they will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches against Bolivia and Venezuela if they hope to climb out of the relegation zone.
Overall, while Argentina’s performance was not flawless, the win was a testament to their ability to grind out results, especially in tough matches against well-organized teams like Peru. With their talented squad, including key players like Messi and Lautaro Martínez, the Scaloneta is in a strong position as they head into the new year, with optimism for what lies ahead in the journey to the next World Cup.
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