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Argentina returns to winning ways in the World Cup qualifiers, Brazil struggles again

Brazil and Uruguay played to a 1-1 draw in Salvador during the 12th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America. Federico Valverde opened the scoring for Uruguay in the 55th minute, but Brazil quickly responded with Gerson’s equalizer in the 62nd minute. The draw places Brazil fifth in the CONMEBOL standings with 18 points, just behind Colombia and Ecuador. Uruguay climbed to second place with 20 points, five behind leaders Argentina.

The reigning World Champions returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 victory over Peru. Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the match with an acrobatic kick in the 55th minute, volleying Lionel Messi’s precise cross into the back of Peru’s net. The win keeps Argentina atop the standings with 25 points. Peru remains last with seven points, facing increasingly slim hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

In another exciting match, Bolivia and Paraguay battled to a 2-2 draw. Paraguay twice took the lead with goals from Gustavo Gomez and Angel Romero, but Bolivia showed resilience, responding with strikes from Fernando Saucedo and Jose Maria Carrasco to earn the draw.

Chile secured an impressive 4-2 victory over Venezuela in a high-scoring affair. The match featured drama, comebacks, and numerous goals, with the win propelling Chile to ninth place in the standings with nine points. Venezuela currently holds eighth position with 12 points.

Meanwhile, Ecuador earned a crucial 1-0 away victory against Colombia in Barranquilla with Enner Valencia scoring the game’s only goal in the 7th minute. Ecuador was reduced to 10 men when Piero Hincapié received a red card for a harsh foul in the 34th minute, but despite Colombia’s sustained pressure, the team held firm to secure the win. The result places Ecuador in third with 19 points, while Colombia, also on 19 points, sits in fourth place due to goal difference.


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