In a bittersweet farewell, Luis Suarez bid adieu to international football as Uruguay battled to a 0-0 draw against Paraguay in the South American 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday, September 6, 2024.
The End of an Era
The 37-year-old star announced his retirement from international duty on Monday, September 2, 2024, concluding a remarkable 17-year career with Uruguay where he secured his position as the nation’s top scorer with 69 goals from 143 appearances.
A Frustrating Goodbye
Despite a glittering career that spanned across clubs like Barcelona and Liverpool, Suarez, now plying his trade in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, fell short of adding a 70th goal to his international tally in his final game at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.
An Unforgettable Journey
Uruguay, commanding 65% possession, struggled to break through Paraguay’s resilient defense in a game marred by 24 fouls. Suarez, known for his on-field controversies such as the infamous biting incident with Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, was one of four Uruguayan players cautioned during the tense encounter.
Standing Tall
Following the draw, Uruguay sits in second place in the 10-team round-robin qualifying tournament in South America, accumulating 14 points from seven games and trailing leaders Argentina by four points. Colombia has the opportunity to leapfrog over Uruguay with a victory over Peru later on Friday in Lima.
The Road Ahead
The top six teams in the South American standings automatically qualify for the 2026 finals in North America, while the seventh-placed team will proceed to a playoff to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament.
For more updates on international football, visit FIFA’s official website.
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