Argentina defeated Peru 1-0 on Tuesday in the twelfth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The match took place at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. Lautaro Martínez scored the only goal in the 55th minute, securing a victory for the reigning world champions.
Argentina dominated the game from the start. The Albiceleste kept possession and created several chances against Peru’s tight defense, which often included seven players. Tagliafico, Álvarez, Mac Allister, and Montiel all came close to scoring in the first half, but their efforts missed the mark.
Peru struggled to counter Argentina’s attack. They failed to register a single shot on goal during the first half, leaving Paolo Guerrero isolated up front. By halftime, Argentina had 76% possession and six attempts on goal.
Lautaro Martínez Makes History
The breakthrough came in the second half. Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance, dribbling past three defenders before delivering a perfect cross. Lautaro Martínez connected with a stunning left-footed scissor kick, beating goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
This goal marked Martínez’s 32nd for Argentina, tying Diego Maradona as the fifth-highest scorer in the national team’s history. Speaking after the match, Martínez expressed his pride, saying, “I always want to give my best and improve. We closed the year with a victory, and it’s been a spectacular year for me.”
Peru’s Late Response
After falling behind, Peru attempted to fight back. Gianluca Lapadula, substituted in for the injured Guerrero, managed Peru’s first shot on target in the 65th minute. Sergio Peña followed with another attempt, but neither effort troubled Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez.
Despite introducing attacking players like Lapadula, Reyna, and Rivera, Peru failed to break Argentina’s defense. Argentina held on comfortably to seal the win, extending their lead at the top of the qualifiers table.
Qualifiers Standings and Next Matches
Argentina now sits firmly at the top of the table with 25 points. Peru, with only 7 points, remains at the bottom, with slim chances of qualifying for the North American World Cup.
In March, Argentina will face Uruguay in Montevideo. Peru will host Bolivia in their next qualifying match.
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