Argentina Remain Unbeaten

MONTEVIDEO: Argentina extended their unbeaten run to 25 games and are close to qualifying for the 2022 World Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over Peru just now.

Lautaro Martinez blasted home the game’s lone goal two minutes before the break with a powerful header, while Yoshimar Yotun failed to complete a second -half penalty for Peru.

The win puts Argentina in second place behind Brazil in the singles group of South American qualifiers along a nine -point gap over a team that could be denied their right to Qatar 2022.

The last time Argentina lost was in the semi -finals of the 2019 Copa America – 2-0 to Brazil.

Since then the South American giants have looked unstoppable, beating Brazil twice including earlier this year in the 2021 Copa America final.

Early in the game in Buenos Aires, Peru looked to be able to present a surprise with their striker Gianluca Lapadula performing brilliantly.

The 31 -year -old Italian stunned Emiliano Martinez with a saved free kick before snatching a Christopher Gonzales pass but it went straight into the Argentine goalkeeper’s arms.

Most of the action came at the end of the match with center -back Cristian Romero heading in a Rodrigo De Paul’s free -kick but offside.

Another cross from De Paul was struck by Angel Di Maria near the corner in the penalty box but his volley went wide.