Argentina squeeze into World Cup
Late goal by sub Bolatti gives them 1-0 win over Uruguay and ticket to South Africa.
Uruguay finished fifth and now face a two-legged playoff against the fourth-placed team from North America, Central America and the Caribbean, either Costa Rica or Honduras.
Caceres’ foul turned out to be pivotal.
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| The single goal ended a poor campaign by Diego Maradona, right [AFP] |
He tripped up Juan Sebastian Veron during a clean break just outside the box, and before he even received the yellow and red cards, Caceres covered his head with his jersey in shame and frustration as he was sent off.
From the free kick, Lionel Messi and Veron smoothly set up Bolatti to shoot low past Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
Maradona celebrated the goal wildly on the touchline and wept and hugged members of his coaching team at the final whistle minutes later.
Having replaced Alfio Basile as coach midway through the qualification campaign, Maradona’s credentials for the job had
been widely questioned after his side lost to Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay and at home to Brazil.
“I want to dedicate this to all the Argentines,” he told Argentine television. “I thank the squad.”