Peru triumphs over Uruguay 1-0 in World Cup qualifying match

On October 11, 2024, Peru achieved a significant victory in the South American World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay, coached by Marcelo Bielsa. The match, held in Lima, saw Peru secure a 1-0 win, marking their first success in the ongoing qualifying campaign after a challenging period of losses. Miguel Araujo scored the decisive goal with a header in the 88th minute, lifting Peru out of the last position in the standings. This victory is crucial as the top six teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Uruguay, currently in third place with 15 points, had several opportunities to score in the first half but failed to capitalize, with key players like Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez being thwarted by Peru's goalkeeper, Pedro Gallese. The second half saw a shift in momentum, with Peru taking control and ultimately finding the back of the net late in the game. Bielsa expressed his disappointment regarding the team's performance, particularly in creating goal-scoring chances. The win is a morale booster for Peru, who now have six points, just above last-place Chile. The match's outcome is pivotal as it impacts the standings and the teams' chances of qualifying for the World Cup. Uruguay will look to rebound in their next match against Ecuador, while Peru faces a challenging game against Brazil, currently in fourth place. This match highlights the competitive nature of the South American qualifying rounds, where every point is critical for teams aiming for World Cup participation.