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Rodríguez’s header secures 1-0 Argentina win against Uruguay

Brasilia, June 18 (EFE).- Argentina defeated Uruguay 1-0 after a decisive first-half header by Guido Rodríguez at the Mane Garrincha stadium in the Brazilian capital for their second group stage match in the Copa America 2021 Friday.

Argentina took the lead in the 13th minute of the encounter after Spanish Real Betis midfielder Rodríguez finished off a brilliant cross from Lionel Messi with a powerful header.

It was the 32nd face-off between the two teams in the tournament.

Uruguay, now at the bottom of Group A alongside Bolivia with no point, have not beaten Argentina in Copa America since 1989.

The Argentine win was marred by an on-field controversy at 27 minutes into the match after Rodríguez clipped a dribbling Edinson Cavani, making him trip over.

Despite a call from the Manchester United forward, Brazilian referee Wilson Sampaio allowed the play to continue without even a video assistant review.

With the victory, Argentina have now accumulated four points and lead the ranking.

Earlier in the day, Chile beat Bolivia 1-0 in a Group A match in Cuiaba, Brazil, courtesy of a tremendous goal by British-born Ben Brereton, making his debut with the national side.

Chile, with the same score as Argentina, are at the No.2 spot, followed by Paraguay with 3 and Uruguay and Bolivia with no points so far.

Argentina will next play against Paraguay on Monday. Uruguay will fight it out against Chile the same day while Bolivia take a rest. EFE

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