Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has reacted on social media to Uruguay’s shock 1-0 defeat vs Peru on Saturday. Miguel Araujo’s late goal was enough to condemn Nunez’s nation to a surprise loss in their World Cup qualifier.
Peru’s victory in Lima was their first in 10 qualifying matches and moves them off the foot of the table in South America. Uruguay, meanwhile, sit third despite defeat and remain on course to qualify for the 2026 tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
To qualify in CONMEBOL, each country has to face-off against the other nine, both at home and away. The top six teams, after 18 rounds, will secure their spots in the World Cup. The team finishing seventh will enter the FIFA play-off tournament, which offers up an alternative route to the showcase.
And Nunez has issued a rallying cry on social media to his teammates. Indeed, he has now called for improvement ahead of Uruguay’s clash at home to Ecuador on Wednesday.
“Work to improve, there is no other [way],” he said in Spanish on Instagram. “Go Uruguay always!”
Nunez was absolved from blame by the Uruguay media who highlighted him as one of their better players with El Pais saying
“he was the one who tried the most, but was very alone in attack”.
The 25-year-old was, initially, expected to still be suspended for Uruguay for his part in Copa America controversy this summer. However, a successful appeal from his country meant he was available to play against Peru.
Nunez made his Uruguay debut in 2019. In that time, he has scored 13 goals from 30 appearances.
