Uruguay Eliminated From World Cup by Argentina

Pedro Pablo Pasculli, inserted into the lineup to add some speed to Argentina’s attack, scored the game’s only goal Monday as Argentina eliminated South American champion Uruguay from the World Cup with a 1-0 victory.

Argentina, which won the 1978 World Cup, will play Sunday against the winner of Wednesday’s game between Paraguay and England.

It was the first time in 56 years--since the first World Cup--that the South American arch-rivals have met in the soccer championship.

The game, which ended in a driving rainstorm, was controlled most of the way by the Argentines. Only in the final minutes, when it desperately needed a goal, did Uruguay’s offense surface. But it could not score and the Uruguayans finished as one of the most disappointing teams in the competition. They were only third in Group E in the first round, with a 6-1 loss to Denmark and two ties.

They also were fined $12,000 and had Coach Omar Borras suspended for Monday’s game by FIFA because of “misconduct” and rough play.

The slow-paced first half featured more whistles for slight fouls than it did crisp passes or good scoring opportunities.

Argentina had the best shot at a goal, but Diego Maradona’s crossing pass was headed just wide by Jorge Valdano in the 11th minute. Valdano then slid into the goal, just missing hitting his head on the goal post.

Eleven minutes later, a curling 35-yard free kick by Maradona struck the crossbar.

It took 32 minutes for Uruguay to manage a shot on goal, a weak effort by Sergio Santin that was caught easily by goalie Nery Pumpido.

With three minutes left in the half, Pasculli converted off a three-way passing play. The ball was carried deep on the right side by Jorge Burruchaga, who passed to Valdano in the penalty area. Valdano was guarded by two men and neatly slipped the ball to his left to a free Pasculli, who had no trouble blasting it home.

Argentina nearly scored again in the first minute of the second half. Maradona beat the defense down the right side and his pass into the goal mouth missed a sliding Pasculli by inches.

Goalie Fernando Alvez was saved by his defense in the 53rd minute when Eduardo Acevedo headed clear of an open net a shot by Burruchaga. Then Alvez sprawled to stop a wide-open blast from 25 yards by Maradona.