FazArgentina back to winning ways, Bolivia thrash Peru in World Cup qualifiers
October 11th 2008 23:59
Argentina needed to contain a late surge from Uruguay before they could register a 2-1 victory at home. Their first win in five matches in World Cup qualifying.
Basile's side were under increased pressure from fans to perform after drawing their last five encounters, leaving them in vulnerable position heading into the game against Uruguay.
The pressure from fans was indeed the tonic for Argentina's flying start against the Uruguayans with Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero netting home for the 'albiceleste'.
Uruguayan defender Diego Lugano scored just before the break to give his side some hope heading into the second half.
But it was all Argentina in the early stages of the match.
After six minutes of the first half had expired, Barcelona ace Lionel Messi put the 'albiceleste' one nil up after he headed in Juan Roman Riquelme's accurate cross.
Six minutes later and Argentina were demonstrating the potency that has been non-existent in their World Cup qualifying campaign. They went two nil up after Atletico Madrid striker Aguero was the beneficiary, following a Cambiasso shot that was parried away into the waiting feet of the young Argentine.
Despite their attacking flair, Argentina's defence remained their Achilles heal, and Uruguay were good enough to take advantage late in the first half as Lugano slotted home from Luis Suarez's cross.
The second half was one of containment for Argentina as Uruguay failed to match the potency in offence displayed by their counterparts early on.
Eventually, Paraguayan referee Carols Torres blew fulltime and the Argentine crowd at the 'Monumental' breathed a sigh of relief, as their side maintains a steady course towards South Africa 2010.
Argentina's next match will be away to Chile.
Bolivia meanwhile have squashed Peru in the battle of the cellar dwellers in the high altitude of 'La Paz'.
The Bolivians outclassed their opponents to win 3-0 courtesy of goals from Botero (2) and Garcia.
After their historical draw against Brazil away from home, Bolivia were eager to consolidate their good form in their home stadium 'Hernando Siles de La Paz'.
Bolivian striker Joaquin Botero was the star for the home side, scoring two goals in the 4th and 16th minutes of the first half to put Peru to the sword.
Ronald Garcia then twisted the blade inside Peru as he scored a spectacular goal from outside the area to seal a very handsome three nil victory.
Bolivia's result ends their poor streak at home, having only gained one win out of their last three matches in 'La Paz'. However, that win came against ladder leaders Paraguay (4-2).
Peru meanwhile continue their lacklustre form en route to South Africa, staying stapled to the root of South American World Cup qualifying.
It will not get any easier for the Peruvians as they play ladder leaders Paraguay away from home.
Bolivia will look to continue their promising form when they host Uruguay.
| 39 |
| Vote |
