After 4 long years, the Argentine Men’s National Soccer team has finally tasted defeat. The team was convincingly defeated by Uruguay, 2-0 in a World Cup Qualifier match played in Argentina’s iconic La Bombanera. Before this game, the Argentine team was in a hot streak of 36 games, without a loss. With a win over Uruguay, they could have equaled Italy‘s world record of going 37 games, undefeated.
Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez’s goals handed Argentina its first-ever defeat against Uruguay in a WC qualifier, at home. During the course of the game, Argentina looked like a shadow of their former self.
Uruguay hand Argentina their first loss of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers 😬 pic.twitter.com/42zjpw7lsy
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 17, 2023
They seemed to have lost their groove and their set-up was just not right. Argentina were wasteful in converting their chances and their passes weren’t sticking right. Uruguay was happy in picking up the stray passes and pouncing on the counterattack.
Rodrigo De Paul comments on the game against Uruguay
Rodrigo De Paul admitted that Uruguay outplayed his team on Friday. He also didn’t shy away from saying that Uruguay showed a lot of character on the pitch. He admitted that the team couldn’t be perfect for so long and a loss was on its way.
He admitted that, during the lead-up to the game, Argentina should’ve come up with a better game plan to restrict Uruguay. But he urged his teammates and staff to regroup, as they face the mighty Brazilians at the iconic Maracana on November 22.
Uruguay have beaten Brazil and Argentina in the same calendar year for the first time since 1960.
◉ 2-0 vs. 🇧🇷
◉ 0-2 vs. 🇦🇷Marcelo Bielsa masterclasses. 🪣 pic.twitter.com/472GCSlLRI
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 17, 2023
It was a game of high intensity and both teams fought aggressively for the ball. This accounted for a number of scrapes throughout the game, in which De Paul was also involved. Speaking to TyC Sports (via Mundo Albicelseste), here’s what De Paul said, when asked about the match.
“It’s a stupid thing to do. It’s on the pitch, nothing happens. I like to talk about football. Uruguay did better and now we have to get up and play a great match in Brazil. Sometimes football is unfair. We have to take care of everything we have won, everything we have achieved, all the respect we have earned in this time. It is done on the pitch and nothing else.”
Even Messi had some harsh words for the young Uruguayan players. He said that Argentina V/S Uruguay has always been a heated fixture, but it always had an element of respect. And the younger players should learn how to respect the elders.
Vinicius Junior has left the Brazil international squad and is returning to Real Madrid after sustaining a left thigh injury.
More from @MarioCortegana ⬇️https://t.co/qLytppmPS9
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 17, 2023
This defeat however doesn’t affect Argentina’s position in the World Cup qualifiers table. Argentina sits comfortably at the top of the table, with 12 points in five games. They are followed by Uruguay at the second spot, with 10 points from five games.
Argentina’s next game against Brazil is a stern test, nonetheless. Considering the fact, that Brazil has never lost a World Cup qualifier at home. However, the Brazillian squad has not fared well in the qualifiers, failing to win their last three World Cup qualifier clashes and are currently at the 5th spot on the table. And with their key player, Vinicius Jr. out for the game, due to an injury, it will be very difficult to keep their record intact.
