Going into the 13th round of the CONMEBOL qualifiers, the numbers painted a contrast in style rather than superiority. Uruguay had approached their campaign with intensity and bite—averaging 9.2 interceptions and 19 tackles per game, while scoring 17 and conceding 9. Their football had been direct, their edge unmistakable. Argentina, meanwhile, had leaned into control—averaging 66% possession, completing nearly 88% of their passes, and conceding just 0.6 goals per game. With 21 goals scored and 7 conceded, their strength had come from structure as much as skill.

Tonight, the half-time whistle brought an end to a quiet and largely uneventful first half in Montevideo, with Uruguay and Argentina heading into the break level at 0-0. With World Cup qualification already all but secured for both sides, the opening 45 minutes lacked urgency and intensity. Clear-cut chances were few and far between. Paredes had the first attempt of the match in the 19th minute, but his effort was well off target.

Shortly after, Fernandez and De Arrascaeta produced the first shots on goal, but both Rochet and Martinez made routine saves. Uruguay saw more of the ball, with Argentina opting for a more defensive setup in the absence of Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez. Real Madrid star Fede Valverde had 36 touches and complete 30/33 passes in the first half. The second half wasn’t much different from the first except Thiago Almada’s strike from distance on the 68th minute deciding the game for the visitors–Argentina. Fede Valverde was taken off by Marcelo Bielsa on the 71st minute. Fede seemed visibly tired and the Real Madrid faithful won’t mind as much rest as he can get during this busy fixture.

Uruguay is currently at the fourth position of the CONMEBOL qualifiers–still enough for direct qualification. Their next game is away at Bolivia.