Dramatic Saturday in South Africa qualifiers around the world, none more captivating perhaps than in Quito and Buenos Aires where the fates of three nations dangled and twisted and then re-twisted in a span of four mostly injury time minutes. As if the forces of divinity could not decide who should be invited or who deserves to go to the World Cup, the final outcome will be decided Wednesday in Montevideo and Santiago.
Saturday night, in miserable weather conditions, Argentina was hanging on to a grim 1-0 against bottom of the group Peru with hardly anything to be pleased about, except the three points. Split screen, Ecuador and Uruguay had battled to a 1-1 tie in the high altitude of Quito, the result not ideal for either. The first dramatic moment came in Buenos Aires, when Peru deservedly tied the match in the 90th minute, sending the entire Argentine nation into abyss. Diego looked stunned, the desolation visible. At this moment, Argentina was not mathematically eliminated, but the road to South Africa had become very complicated. Agony, despair, disbelief. But alas! Three minutes into injury time Palermo tapped in an opportunistic goal from a corner kick scramble, restoring the world order and sending Maradona into a frenzy as if he himself had scored. Diego reflexively ran onto the soggy pitch and plunged belly first, gliding euphorically for ten yards before returning to the bench to play the part of Argentina DT.
At the same exact time, just as news of Palermo’s goal hit the news wires, Ecuador was attacking and pushing for the elusive World Cup clinching goal when a cross within the Uruguayan penalty box apparently hit a defender’s arm. Intentional or not, the roar of the crowd pleaded for a penalty. An Ecuadorian win combined with Argentina’s would eliminate Uruguay and, in all probability, pave the way for both Ecuador and Argentina into the World Cup. But the referee did not see or did not agree, waving play on. In the ensuing counter, up and coming star Edison Cavani broke free and was brought down by the Ecuadorian goalkeeper, a clear penalty this time that Diego Forlan, calmly converted under extraordinary pressure three minutes into extra time. Just like that, everything changed.
Argentina now holds the last automatic qualification spot with 25 points, one ahead of Uruguay and two ahead of Ecuador. For Ecuador, the mission is clear. Only a win in Santiago against a Chilean team that has already qualified and has been presumably celebrating will be enough. Chile will be jubilantly received by a packed national stadium and will not want to leave the field with a bad impression. More importantly, Chile is coached by an Argentine, Marcelo Bielsa, a disciplinarian who undoubtedly will put forward the best effort to prevent an Ecuadorian win. Meanwhile, Uruguay is in a similar predicament. Only a win can guarantee passage or a play-off spot.
The match between Uruguay and Argentina will be a historic one with everything to play for and a long history of fierce rivalry. If Ecuador fulfills its mission, the losing side in Montevideo will be marked with eternal scars. Uruguay is loaded with talent. Diego Forlan, the strongest personality on the Uruguayan team, is a true champion and leader. He was involved in both goals in Quito and will certainly have an impact. Edison Cavani is a budding star. Uruguay plays cohesively, guided by an excellent tactician in Oscar Washington Tabarez. Meanwhile, Diego’s Argentina is all heart. Plenty of stars and a loose game plan, but with Messi and Higuain it can be enough. For all who love this game, Wednesday’s match in Montevideo is one for the ages not to be missed.
