Inter - nationals: Lautaro nets winner for Argentina against Chile

Three Nerazzurri players were involved in World Cup qualifiers in South America on Thursday night. 

Lautaro Martinez struck the winner as Argentina beat Alexis Sanchez's Chile while Matias Vecino's Uruguay secured an all-important victory against Paraguay.

LAUTARO STRIKE SETTLES INTER DERBY

Lautaro Martinez was the match-winner as he and Alexis Sanchez faced off in Chile v Argentina at the Estadio Municipal Zorros del Desierto, at an altitude of 2,200 metres.

Angel Di Maria drew first blood for the Argentines – who had Nerazzurri legend Walter Samuel in the dugout in place of the Covid-sidelined Lionel Scaloni – before Ben Brereton levelled with a superb header. 

However, Lautaro restored the lead before half time as he turned home the loose ball after Claudio Bravo could only parry Rodrigo De Paul's fierce drive.

Lautaro was replaced by Julian Alvarez in the 78th minute while Alexis played the full match. 

Argentina are already sure of their place at Qatar 2022 while Chile now face an uphill battle to qualify for the tournament.

URUGUAY EDGE TO VICTORY 

Uruguay meanwhile beat Paraguay 1-0 in Asuncion courtesy of a Luis Suarez goal to move up to fourth place in the South American group.

Matias Vecino, who was booked, played the fill 90 minutes.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING GROUP AND FIXTURES

Brazil 36 Argentina 32 Ecuador 24 Uruguay 19 Colombia 17 Peru 17 Chile 16 Bolivia 15 Paraguay 13 Venezuela 7

Argentina v Colombia; 2 February 2022, 00:30 CET – World Cup qualifying | Cordoba Uruguay v Venezuela; 2 February 2022, 00:00 CET – World Cup qualifying  | Montevideo Bolivia v Chile; 1 February 2022, 21:00 CET – World Cup qualifying | La Paz