Ruben Dario Bustos and Daryo Moreno scored second-half goals as Colombia upset Argentina 2-1 on Tuesday, handing the Albiceleste their first loss of South American World Cup qualifying.
Colombia prevailed after Argentina played the final 55 minutes with 10 men, the result of Carlos Tevez's expulsion for elbowing Bustos.
Moreno, who replaced Tressor Moreno in the 72nd minute, scored the winner with eight minutes remaining, scoring into an open goal after Argentine keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri strayed off his line.
PHOTO: AP
The goal electrified the crowd of 42,000 in Bogota's El Campin Stadium and sparked celebrations around the Colombian capital, with fireworks and drivers honking car horns.
Argentina had won all three of its opening qualifiers to put it atop the South American qualifying standings and had not allowed goal. Bolivia, who had scored only one goal in three games, also conceded their first goal but climbed to second place with eight points.
Colombia struggled to keep possession early, overwhelmed by Argentina's fluid attack. Despite playing a man down, Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead in the 36th, weaving through Colombia's defense before scoring.
PHOTO: AP
The hosts were more confident in the second half, taking the lead when Bustos converted a free kick in the 62nd.
The goal energized the match, with both Colombia and Argentina increasing their intensity to fight for the ball.
Colombia will next face Peru, while Argentina take on Ecuador.
SSC Napoli will have to wait one more week to seal the Serie A title after on Sunday being held to a goalless draw at Parma, while closest rivals Inter drew 2-2 in a dramatic game with SS Lazio. Antonio Conte’s team stayed one point ahead of Inter and were unfortunate not to win after twice striking the woodwork through Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Matteo Politano, while Scott McTominay also had a free-kick tipped onto the crossbar. The away side thought they would be handed a chance to take the points from the penalty spot in the 96th minute when David Neres
A stunning Lamine Yamal strike on Thursday helped crown Barcelona La Liga champions with a 2-0 win over local rivals RCD Espanyol, with victory ensuring Real Madrid cannot catch them at the top of the table. Yamal’s effort and Fermin Lopez’s goal took Hansi Flick’s side seven points clear of Los Blancos with two matches remaining, to clinch Barcelona’s 28th title and complete a superb domestic treble. Only the UEFA Champions League title escaped an exciting young Barca side this season, as they won the league for the second time in six years, at Espanyol’s ground again just as in 2022-2023. Back then,
Jannik Sinner on Thursday marched into the semi-finals of the Italian Open after destroying Casper Ruud in straight sets 6-0, 6-1, while Coco Gauff won a marathon three-set battle with China’s Zheng Qinwen to advance to the women’s singles final. American Gauff is to face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in today’s title match after pulling through 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) in a match that lasted over three-and-a-half hours. Ruud was supposed to be Sinner’s toughest test in Rome since he came back from his three-month doping ban, as the Norwegian came into the match in hot form on clay after winning in
Omar Marmoush’s stunning long-range strike on Tuesday upstaged Kevin de Bruyne on the Manchester City great’s Etihad farewell. Marmoush let fly from about 30m to put City ahead in their 3-1 win against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. The victory moved Pep Guardiola’s team up to third in the standings and left qualification for the UEFA Champions League in their own hands heading into the last round of the season. “It’s really important. To be in the Champions League after what happened [this season] will be really nice,” the City manager said. De Bruyne was making his final home appearance for City before
RSS