Argentina comes through with win in Uruguay

It just wouldn't feel right to have a World Cup without Argentina.  No Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez would be a travesty.  They sure made it difficult though saving it for the last day and having to get a result in Uruguay.  Embattled coach Diego Maradona had the weight of the world on his shoulders as Argentina took the field, but the visitors were up to the task on the evening.

Overall it was a very quiet game with few real offensive chances.  Most of the game was played in the midfield with both teams trying to gain control of the match.  Neither side ever really won the battle and there were only 4 shots on the net the entire evening.  Disappoint for the home Urugauyans for sure as they would have grabbed the World Cup bid with a win.

The decisive play came only 6 minutes from time as Juan Sebastian Veron rifled in a free kick that was not dealt with.  Mario Ariel Bolatti got on the loose ball and put it home for the winner.  Uruaguay had to finish with 10 men after Martin Caceras was sent off for his 2nd yellow on the goal.

With the win, Argentina gains the 4th and final World Cup berth from South America.  Thanks to Ecuador losing in Columbia, Uruguay will hold onto 5th place and enter the playoff round to face Costa Rica in a home and home next month.