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Uruguay Triumphs Over Colombia 3-2 with Ugarte's Late Goal

Manuel Ugarte's last-minute goal secures a 3-2 win for Uruguay against Colombia in a thrilling World Cup qualifying match.

An intense soccer match scene at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, showcasing both Uruguayan and Colombian players battling for the ball amidst a vibrant backdrop of cheering fans. The action captures Manuel Ugarte mid-kick after receiving a crucial pass during stoppage time, highlighting the tense moment just before he scores the winning goal. The image is filled with vibrant colors, emphasizing the emotional atmosphere of the match, with teamwork and determination alive on the pitch, encapsulating the spirit of South American soccer.

Uruguay Triumphs Over Colombia 3-2 with Ugarte's Late Goal

In a thrilling encounter held at the iconic Estadio Centenario, Uruguay defeated Colombia 3-2 in a dramatic World Cup qualifying match on November 15, 2024. This victory marked Uruguay's first home win in over a year and lifted them to second place in the South American standings, just behind Argentina.

Match Overview

The match was filled with intense moments and showcased Uruguay's determination to improve its performance after a five-game winless streak. The excitement reached its peak deep into stoppage time when Manuel Ugarte, the Manchester United midfielder, netted his first international goal, sealing the game for the hosts.

Key Moments

  1. First Half Highlights:

    • 31st Minute: The scoring kicked off with a brilliant free-kick from Juan Fernando Quintero, who expertly placed the ball into the net, giving Colombia an early lead and silencing the home crowd.

  2. Equalizer:

    • 57th Minute: Uruguay managed to level the score when an attempted clearance by Davinson Sánchez inadvertently found its way into the net following Marcelo Saracchi’s cross, which deflected off Daniel Muoz.

  3. Uruguay Takes the Lead:

    • Just three minutes later, Rodrigo Aguirre, in his first start for the national team, scored to put Uruguay ahead. His finish capped a slick passing move, generating a massive cheer from the raucous crowd of 40,000.

  4. Late Drama:

    • 96th Minute: Colombia struck back when Andrés Gómez capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to equalize, seemingly securing a point for his team. However, the match wasn't over yet.

  5. Heroic Finish:

    • 100th Minute: Ugarte's composure shone through as he fired a remarkable shot from the edge of the box, ensuring Uruguay's victory and igniting wild celebrations among fans and players alike.

Reactions

Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay's coach, expressed relief and joy at the vital win. He acknowledged that recent criticisms of his management have weighed on the team's morale but believed that victories like this would help restore confidence. “I believe that wins like tonight's are healing,” Bielsa stated during the post-match conference.

Conversely, Colombia's coach, Néstor Lorenzo, expressed frustration over the errors that led to Uruguay's goals. “We knew they had powerful strikers that could hurt us,” he remarked, referring to the errors that allowed Uruguay to capitalize effectively.

Looking Ahead

Both teams now turn their focus to their next fixtures, with Uruguay set to travel to Brazil and Colombia preparing to host Ecuador. The fierce competition for qualification positions continues as the teams vie for top spots in the ever-challenging South American qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

This result not only reinforces Uruguay’s position in the standings but also highlights the team’s ability to perform under pressure—a crucial aspect as they aim for World Cup qualification.

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