Paraguay held Uruguay to a goalless draw in its South American World Cup qualifier on Friday (Sep 7), with striker Luis Suarez bringing his 17-year international career to an end at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo. The 37-year-old forward reached 143 appearances for Uruguay, finishing as its all-time leading scorer with 69 goals.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who finished third in the Copa America, played without five players from their starting line-up, including Darwin Nunez, who was suspended for their involvement in clashes with fans following the defeat to Colombia in the continental showpiece in July.
Uruguay wasted several chances, most notably a first-half right-footed volley from Suarez that struck the post after Facundo Pellistri’s cross.
Paraguay also created clear-cut opportunities, with Miguel Almiron coming closest only to be denied by goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, but neither side managed to capitalise.
Uruguay remains second in the World Cup qualifying standings with 14 points, four behind leader Argentina. It faces Venezuela on Tuesday, while Paraguay takes on Brazil.
Elsewhere, Brazil boosted their flagging World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador. Rodrygo scored the only goal as the five-time world champions moved up from sixth to fourth in the table, with the top six guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Teenage winger Estevao Willian, who is joining Chelsea when he turns 18 next year, made his debut as a second-half substitute.
In Lima, third-placed Colombia needed a late goal from Luis Diaz to earn a 1-1 draw against Peru. Alexander Callens put Peru ahead on 68 minutes but Diaz headed the equaliser with eight minutes remaining.
