Uruguay celebrated a thrilling 3-2 victory over Colombia in a World Cup qualifying match held in Montevideo on November 15, 2024. The match ended dramatically with each team scoring a goal during stoppage time, allowing Uruguay to leapfrog Colombia into second place in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite trailing twice throughout the match, Uruguay showcased their resilience. They seemed to be on the brink of a 2-1 victory until Andrés Gómez leveled the score in the dying moments with a close-range rebound. However, Federico Valverde’s crucial interception gave Manuel Ugarte the opportunity to secure the win, igniting jubilant celebrations among the nearly 40,000 fans present.
Uruguay’s coach, Marcelo Bielsa, highlighted the emotional significance of such victories, stating, “Wins like today heal, as they draw together everyone around such a strong sentiment as the national team represents for Uruguay.” He praised the players’ tenacity, especially crucial during moments when it seemed unlikely they could regain the lead after conceding a late equalizer.
The match’s opening goal came from a self-inflicted wound on Colombia’s part, with Davinson Sánchez inadvertently scoring an own goal to allow Uruguay to gather momentum. Colombia initially took the lead through a well-executed free kick by Juan Fernando Quintero, but Uruguay bounced back after two setbacks.
The search for a third midfielder had been a challenge for Bielsa, who has struggled with injuries to regulars like Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Nicolás De la Cruz. This time, he turned to Rodrigo Aguirre, who impressed by scoring what proved to be the winning goal shortly after his debut.
Aguirre reflected on his unforgettable night, expressing joy over participating in his first national team match and contributing to a much-needed victory. “I never imagined such a perfect night. I’m very happy not only for my debut but also for breaking a losing streak,” he stated.
As Uruguay pushed for an equalizer in the second half, a seemingly harmless cross led to a critical error from Sánchez, which allowed Uruguay to equalize. Shortly after that, another coordinated attack concluded with Aguirre finding the net again, sealing the game in front of a raucous home crowd.
With this crucial win, Uruguay climbed to second place in the qualifiers, sharing the position with Colombia but holding an advantage in goal difference. Looking ahead, Uruguay’s next challenge awaits as they face Brazil in Salvador, while Colombia will host Ecuador in Barranquilla.
This victory marks a significant morale booster for Uruguay as they continue their campaign for the World Cup, reaffirming their fight and determination on the path ahead. Fans can take hope in the resilience shown by the team, which bodes well for future matches.