Argentina defeats Peru as Uruguay draws with Brazil

A stunning volley from Lautaro Martinez secured a 1-0 victory for world champions Argentina over Peru, while Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Uruguay in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

Argentina remain at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, with their qualification for the 2026 World Cup appearing all but guaranteed. While it wasn't their best performance, a moment of brilliance from Inter Milan's Martinez made the difference at the 'Bombonera' stadium in Buenos Aires. Lionel Messi delivered a cross from the left, and Martinez, leaping into the air, fired a powerful left-footed volley past Peru's goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Argentina’s eighth win in 12 games puts them on 25 points, five ahead of second-place Uruguay, who secured a crucial draw in Brazil. 

In Salvador, Brazil struggled for long periods and fell behind to a superb finish from Uruguay's Federico Valverde in the 55th minute. However, Brazil equalized just seven minutes later when a headed clearance fell to Gerson, who smashed a volley into the net. Gabriel Martinelli almost won it for Brazil with a well-placed volley that forced a great save from Uruguay's goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

The draw leaves Brazil in fifth place with 18 points, one behind fourth-place Colombia, who suffered a surprising 1-0 loss to Ecuador in Barranquilla. 

In that match, Ecuador’s Enner Valencia stunned the Colombian fans with a brilliant solo goal in the 7th minute. The former West Ham United forward beat three Colombian defenders before finishing calmly. Colombia had a chance to equalize when Jhon Cordoba missed a close-range chance after being set up by James Rodriguez. A controversial penalty decision in the 34th minute left Ecuador a man down for the remainder of the game, but Ecuador’s defense, led by goalkeeper Hernan Galindez, held firm. 

In other matches, Paraguay secured a dramatic 2-2 draw in Bolivia. Bolivia initially led with a goal from Ervin Vaca, but Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron equalized. Bolivia regained the lead with a Miguel Terceros penalty, but Paraguay struck back in stoppage time with a brilliant solo goal from Julio Enciso.

Chile, who sit in ninth place, kept their hopes alive with a 4-2 victory over Venezuela, though they still face a tough challenge to secure one of the six automatic World Cup spots.