Uruguay Clinches Dramatic Win Over Colombia in World Cup Qualifier Thriller
Uruguay secured a stunning last-gasp victory over Colombia in a pulsating FIFA World Cup Qualifier, edging out the visitors 3-2 in Montevideo. The match delivered high drama, with two late goals in stoppage time sealing the fate of the game.
Match Recap
The action began in the first half when Colombia’s Juan Fernando Quintero opened the scoring, giving the visitors an early lead. Uruguay responded with relentless pressure, and their efforts paid off in the second half when a deflection off Davinson Sánchez resulted in an own goal, leveling the scoreline.
Uruguay turned the match around shortly after as Agustín Canobbio set up Facundo Aguerre, who put the hosts ahead for the first time. Colombia, however, refused to back down, and Andrés Gómez found the net in the 96th minute, seemingly salvaging a point for the visitors.
But the final twist came in the 101st minute, when Manuel Ugarte, capitalizing on a chaotic scramble in the Colombian box, scored the winning goal. The strike sent the home crowd at Estadio Centenario into raptures and propelled Uruguay into joint second place alongside Colombia in the CONMEBOL standings, with both teams sitting on 19 points.
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – South America
Uruguay 3-2 Colombia
Goals: Quintero 13' (0-1). Sánchez OG 58' (1-1). Aguerre 60' (2-1). Gómez 90+6' (2-2). Ugarte 90+11' (3-2).
Analysis
Uruguay, under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, showcased incredible determination and resilience, qualities often associated with Bielsa's high-intensity style. The late winner exemplifies the team’s ability to fight until the final whistle, a crucial factor in a highly competitive qualification race.
Colombia, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses that allowed Uruguay to snatch all three points. Both teams remain strong contenders for direct qualification spots to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but this result could prove pivotal in determining final positions in the group.
What’s Next?
Uruguay will face Brazil in their next qualifier, while Colombia will look to bounce back against Ecuador. With points at a premium, every match now holds significant weight as the road to North America 2026 heats up.
