Arrascaeta scores, Varela assists as Uruguay book their World Cup spot | OneFootball

With Arrascaeta's Show, Uruguay Defeated Peru and Secured a Spot in the World Cup

Uruguay has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, with great ‘help’ from Flamengo. After all, with an excellent performance by Arrascaeta, crowned with a goal, and an assist from Varela, the Celeste defeated Peru 3-0 and secured a spot in the World Cup. The match took place at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo on Thursday (04), in the penultimate round of the Qualifiers.

Arrascaeta was, by far, the name of the game. At nine minutes, the number 10 almost scored with a ‘pool shot’, similar to the goal against Grêmio, in the last round of the Brasileirão. Later, the midfielder shone. After a beautiful individual play, the star set up Varela on the right. The defender's cross was perfect, landing on Rodrigo Aguirre's head, who opened the scoring at 14’.

It was all about Arrascaeta! At 16’, once again with a ‘simple touch’, the number 10 hit the post. At 24’, the Flamengo player shot for a save by the Peruvian goalkeeper. In two more moments in the first half, at 36’ and 44’, the star came close to finding the net again.

DID ARRASCAETA'S SHOW CONTINUE IN THE SECOND HALF?

Just like in the first half, Arrascaeta continued ‘calling the shots’ in the final stage. Right at the start, the number 10 came face to face with goalkeeper Gallese, who made the save. In the next play, the Flamengo player almost set up an assist for Pellistri, who arrived late to push it into the net.

The goal by Arrascaeta, which stubbornly didn’t come in the first half, happened at 14 minutes of the final stage, again with Varela’s involvement. The defender crossed from the right, Aguirre headed it back, and the Flamengo idol unleashed a powerful shot, bursting the Peruvian net. Subsequently, the hosts just managed the result and celebrated the early qualification for the World Cup. There was still time for one more, with striker Viñas (not to be confused with Viña, from Mengão), in the final stretch.

HOW MANY MINUTES DID FLAMENGO PLAYERS SPEND ON THE FIELD?

Starters, Arrascaeta and Varela represented Flamengo in Marcelo Bielsa's starting lineup. The number 10 left at 24 minutes of the second half, while the defender played the entire match. The third Flamengo player in the Celeste, Matias Viña did not leave the bench.

WHEN DOES URUGUAY PLAY AGAIN?

Thus, having qualified with one round to spare for the World Cup, Uruguay will play a formality match next Tuesday (09) against Chile in Santiago. The match kicks off at 8:30 PM (Brasília time), with full coverage by Coluna do Fla, which will provide the lineup, results, and details of the Flamengo players' performances.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.