Aguero diving header downs Uruguay
© AFP
Sergio Aguero reignited Argentina's Copa America challenge, scoring the only goal as the favourites defeated historic rivals Uruguay 1-0 in a hard-fought clash. The little striker headed home a cross from Manchester City team-mate Pablo Zabaleta in the 56th minute to settle a gritty encounter that leaves La Albiceleste on track to win Group B.
Uruguay's defeat means the 2011 champions must now beat Paraguay in their final group game to be certain of clinching a place in the last eight, although they could still reach the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams.
Tuesday's game between the 1930 FIFA World Cup™ finalists was the 199th encounter between the two South American rivals.
A tense first half had seen Argentina, surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw by Paraguay in their opening match, dominate possession and territory but fail to break down a resolute Uruguay defence. The two best chances of the period both fell to Gerardo Martino's men, with Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria testing Fernando Muslera in the ninth minute with an angled shot that the goalkeeper needed two attempts to gather. Muslera was pressed into action again midway through the half, producing a superb one-handed save to deny Aguero after he met Lionel Messi's sublime cross with a downward header.
Tensions began to rise thereafter, with Martino shown a red card by Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci in the 38th minute. On the stroke of half-time tempers flared once more with Argentina enforcer Javier Mascherano booked for sliding through Uruguay playmaker Nicolas Lodeiro, who had earlier seen yellow for a wild challenge on Zabaleta.
Uruguay carved out their best effort in the opening minutes of the second half, Maxi Pereira uncorking a fierce shot that Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero did well to clear.
With Messi being shadowed at every turn, it fell to others to break the deadlock and the game-changing moment came courtesy of Javier Pastore on 56 minutes. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder showed sublime skill to release Zabaleta down the right, and the right-back took one touch before whipping in a cross to the near-post, met by Aguero to head home.
Uruguay, who entered the tournament without Luis Suarez, who is still suspended, were largely devoid of inspiration in attack, with Edinson Cavani largely anonymous.
But the holders were left ruing a glorious chance to equalise against the run of play in the 75th minute. Alvaro Perreira bludgeoned a shot goalwards that Romero was unable to control. The rebound fell invitingly for Diego Rolan but with the goal at his mercy from six yards out, the Bordeaux striker blazed over the bar.