To find out exactly when the audience saw such Argentina, you have to ride the time machine. Lionel Scaloni’s disciples gave a gift of sloppy football and wrong passing drills. With that, the best star of the team, Lionel Messi, faded away. There was a fear of losing points against Peru. But Lautaro Martinez did not let that happen. He gave the team a 1-0 victory with a great goal.
Bangladesh time on Wednesday (November 20) in Buenos Aires, Argentina entered the South American region of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Lautaro scored the match-winning goal for the team in the 55th of the match. Messi assisted in the winning goal even though he was in his shadow throughout the match.
Argentina dominated the entire match. Scaloni’s men had most of the ball, with an impressive 70 percent possession of the ball. With 10 shots on goal, one found the net. Peru spent the entire period consolidating their defense. Emiliano Martinez did not have to take any test.
Argentina started attacking from the beginning of the match. A good chance came in the 22nd minute of the match. But Julian Alvarez’s shot hits the post. Peru’s goalkeeper blocked Messi’s free kick before the break. The two teams went into the break with a scoreless draw.
Argentina continued to play the same football in the second half. They went ahead in the 55th minute. Martinez found the address with a superb volley from Messi’s raised cross from the left. With this goal, the Inter Milan forward made it to the list of Argentina’s top five goalscorers of all time.
Lautaro’s goal with a great volley.
Lautaro now has 32 goals for the national team. The late legend Diego Maradona also has the same number of goals. The four above him are Hernan Crespo (34), Sergio Aguero (42), Gabriel Batistuta (54) and Lionel Messi (112).
Argentina showed a lot of back passes in the whole match. They got excited after getting the goal. However, in the rest of the period, if Peru kept their defense tight, Argentina did not see a goal. As a result, Messi had to leave the field with a one-goal victory.
After this victory, Argentina has strengthened its top position in the table of the Latin American region with eight wins, one draw and three losses in 12 matches. In the other match, Uruguay drew 1-1 with Brazil with 20 points in 12 matches. Peru is in 10th place with 7 points after winning only one match.
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What were the key factors that contributed to Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Peru in the World Cup qualifier?
Interview for Time.news: Analyzing Argentina’s Performance in World Cup Qualifier Against Peru
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news. Today we have with us football analyst and expert, Dr. Lucas Serrano, to discuss Argentina’s recent performance in their World Cup qualifier against Peru. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Serrano.
Dr. Serrano: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a thrilling match.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. Argentina secured a 1-0 victory, but it seems like the performance was a mixed bag. What did you think of the team’s overall play?
Dr. Serrano: Yes, it was quite a rollercoaster. Argentina dominated possession with 70% throughout the match, which suggests they controlled the flow of the game. However, their execution left a lot to be desired—sloppy passing and a lack of cohesion were apparent at times, and that’s concerning for a team of their caliber.
Interviewer: Lionel Messi, while he assisted Lautaro Martinez’s goal, seemed somewhat subdued. How do you interpret his performance in this context?
Dr. Serrano: Messi’s presence was definitely felt, even if he wasn’t in the spotlight throughout the game. Often, he was double-marked, which limited his opportunities. However, that assist — a perfect cross — showcases his ability to impact the game even when not at his flamboyant best. It’s also a testament to his understanding with Lautaro, who’s quickly becoming a crucial player for Argentina.
Interviewer: Speaking of Lautaro Martinez, he scored the winning goal and is now among the top five goal scorers for Argentina. How significant is this milestone for his career?
Dr. Serrano: Extremely significant. Scoring his 32nd goal not only places him alongside the late Diego Maradona, but it reinforces his role as a leading striker for the national team. He’s shown that he can perform under pressure, and this is vital for Argentina as they look to build a strong squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Interviewer: Argentina had some clear chances, including Julian Alvarez hitting the post. Do you think finishing is an area they need to work on?
Dr. Serrano: Absolutely. Creating chances is one thing, but converting them is another. Hitting the post is unfortunate, and those moments can define a match. If Argentina wants to be a serious contender in the World Cup, they need to capitalize on those opportunities. Consistency in finishing will be key.
Interviewer: Peru seemed to adopt a defensive strategy throughout the match. Did you expect a different approach from them, or was this the right tactic against Argentina?
Dr. Serrano: Given Argentina’s attacking prowess, I think Peru’s strategy was understandable. They focused on defence and absorbing pressure, which can be effective if executed well. However, they missed opportunities to counterattack and could have exploited Argentina’s momentary lapses. It’s a dangerous game that can backfire, as seen by the eventual goal.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do Argentina need to improve as they continue their World Cup qualifying campaign?
Dr. Serrano: They need to refine their attacking play. While possession is important, converting that into clear-cut chances is crucial. Additionally, finding a better balance between defence and attack will help them face stronger opponents down the line. Lastly, building chemistry among players will be essential as they prepare for the World Cup.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Serrano, for your insights on Argentina’s performance. As always, your analysis is highly valuable.
Dr. Serrano: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how Argentina evolves as we approach the World Cup.