Despite missing Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, and other important players, Argentina defeated Uruguay 1-0 on the road in their South American World Cup qualification match on Friday.
The reigning champions are now one point away from securing a direct berth in the competition the following year, as Thiago Almada scored the game-winning goal with a strong, curled effort from the edge of the area.
With 28 points from 13 games, Argentina is leading the round-robin tournament. A home draw against Brazil on Tuesday would guarantee Argentina's spot. With just five matches remaining in the league, Coach Lionel Scaloni's club is already 15 points clear of seventh-place Bolivia.
Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium in their most recent meeting between the two soccer powerhouses.
With 21 points, Brazil is in third place, one point ahead of Paraguay and Uruguay. Colombia is in sixth place with 19 points.
In the US, Mexico, and Canada, the top six teams will earn direct invitations to the tournament. The club that finishes seventh out of the ten teams in the area will still have an opportunity to advance in an international playoff.
Beyond Messi, Argentina had to make accommodations for important absences. Rodrigo De Paul, Lisandro Martínez, and Lautaro Martínez did not perform in Montevideo. In order to give Giuliano Simeone a starting position, coach Lionel Scaloni placed Almada and Julián Álvarez at the front.
Uruguay got the initiative and had the best opportunities in the first half of their match against their bitter foe in a packed Centenario Stadium. After halftime, however, Argentina was able to maintain its position and began to get better chances.
Uruguay concluded the game with just four attempts on goal, and Marcelo Bielsa's squad failed to advance despite Almada's goal in the 68th minute after Argentina had squandered many other chances in front of goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.
The game versus Brazil will not include Argentina's Nico Gonzalez. In injury time, he challenged Nahitan Nández and was sent out.
With starting defender Gabriel Magalhães, goalkeeper Alisson, and midfielder Bruno Guimarães all out for Tuesday's game at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium, Brazil has its own selection issues.
Despite so many absences, Argentina's coach Scaloni was pleased with his team's performance.
Uruguay will play Bolivia on Tuesday in an attempt to bounce back. Argentina, even if they lose against Brazil, will still be eligible for the World Cup if the Bolivians are unable to defeat Uruguay.