By Sergio Silva
The Uruguayan national team resumed the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup with a bitter taste with the farewell of its all-time top scorer, Luis Suarezwho retired from La Celeste in the goalless draw against Paraguay at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo.
The team led by Argentine Marcelo Bielsa was without a number of key players due to suspension, including striker Darwin Núñez due to the violent events at the 2024 Copa América after the match against Colombia and ended up sharing honours at home.
La Celeste found themselves up against a Paraguayan wall in Montevideo, where the home team took the initiative at all times but were unable to find a way to breach the Paraguayan defence, which earned them a very important point in this tie.
In the second half the pitch tilted even more in favour of the Uruguayans and the Paraguayans saved a ball that hit the post. The home team dominated completely, as they tired of coming down the left flank and through the centre of the field, but were unable to create any real danger.
As the minutes passed, the Paraguayan national team retreated more and more, taking into account the importance of getting a point in their visit to Montevideo. Gustavo Alfaro’s team knew how to withstand the Uruguayan pressure and ended up taking a golden point.
This draw allows the Paraguayan team to get closer to the fight for the qualifying spots for the next World Cup by adding six points, the same amount as Bolivia after its victory against Venezuela (4-0), both tied in seventh place in the qualifying table.
What’s next for Uruguay
After this match, the Uruguayan national team will have to turn the page and focus on next Tuesday’s match against Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium in Maturín for the eighth date of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
The team led by Fernando “Bocha” Batista will arrive at this match emotionally damaged after the resounding defeat suffered on Thursday at the hands of Bolivia (4-0) in a match that took place in the city of El Alto at more than 4,100 meters above sea level.
Uruguay remains in second place in the qualifying table with a record of five wins, one draw and one loss for 16 points, two less than the leader of the table, Argentina. For its part, Venezuela has nine points after two wins, three draws and two losses.
Continue reading:
– Match between Brazil and Ecuador postpones its schedule at the request of the Canarinha due to the end of a soap opera
– Fernando “Bocha” Batista avoids talking about the altitude issue after the resounding defeat suffered by Venezuela in Bolivia
– Luis Fernando Tena struggles with the Guatemalan National Team to beat Martinique in the Concacaf Nations League