Manuel Ugarte’s last-minute heroics sealed a thrilling 3-2 victory for Uruguay over Colombia in South American World Cup qualifying on Friday, ending Uruguay’s five-game winless streak.
Uruguay looked poised for a 2-1 win at the historic Estadio Centenario until Colombia’s Andrés Gómez snatched a stoppage-time equaliser in the 96th minute. However, moments later, Ugarte delivered a stunning response. After a long ball into the box and a scramble, the Manchester United midfielder fired home his first international goal, sparking euphoric celebrations.
The win lifted Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay into second place in the standings, edging ahead of Colombia on goal difference while maintaining their chase of leaders Argentina.
Colombia took the lead in the 31st minute with a smart free-kick from Juan Fernando Quintero. Spotting a gap left by Uruguay’s goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, Quintero expertly placed his shot inside the near post to silence the home crowd.
Uruguay levelled in the 57th minute with a slice of luck. Marcelo Saracchi’s cross deflected off Colombia’s Daniel Muñoz, and Davinson Sánchez’s attempted clearance flew into his own net, gifting the hosts a goal.
Three minutes later, Uruguay surged ahead with a brilliant team goal. Rodrigo Aguirre, making his first start for the senior national team, capped off a slick passing move with a composed finish. It was a poignant moment for the 30-year-old forward, who had waited years for this opportunity.
Colombia seemed to salvage a draw in stoppage time when Gómez capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to score. After a lengthy VAR check, the goal stood, and it appeared Colombia had secured a point.
But Uruguay had other plans. Deep into stoppage time, a desperate attack saw the ball fall to Ugarte, who coolly found the net to secure the dramatic victory.
Meanwhile, in the clash of the bottom two teams, Peru and Chile played out a goalless draw. Peru were denied a last-minute penalty when VAR overturned the decision, citing an offside in the build-up.
Peru remains ninth in the standings with seven points, while Chile sits bottom with six. Both teams face tough fixtures next week, with Peru visiting world champions Argentina and Chile hosting Venezuela.
