Colombia beat defending champions Argentina in the World Cup qualifying round 2-1 on Tuesday, with James Rodriguez assisting the opening header and converting from the penalty spot.
Argentina played without mega star Lionel Messi, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury he sustained in the Copa America final against Colombia.
Colombian players celebrate their first goal in the World Cup qualifying match against Argentina in Barranquilla, Colombia, September 10, 2024. /CFP
Yerson Mosquera opened the scoring in the 25th minute, heading in with a cross from Rodriguez.
Argentina then equalized in the 48th when Nico Gonzalez capitalized on a defensive blunder from the Colombians. 12 minutes later, Rodriguez steps up to score a penalty awarded after a video assistant referee check for Nicolas Otamendi fouling on Daniel Munoz.
"It is a great win against an Argentina team that has won it all," Rodriguez said. "The weather was tough, it was so hot, but we had an excellent match. It is a fair win," he added.
This was Colombia's first win over Argentina since 2019, as they remain unbeaten in South American World Cup qualifying.
Elsewereh, Bolivia upset Chile 2-1 at Santiago, Ecuador beat Peru 1-0, and Venezuela drew 0-0 with Uruguay.