In a night of upsets in South America, Enzo Fernandez was part of the Argentina team which saw their impressive 14-game winning run, dating back to their opening game of last year’s World Cup triumph, finally come to an end.

Despite looking the better team throughout, with more of the possession and chances, Argentina were hit on the counter twice by a physical Uruguay side to concede their first goals in 2023 and suffer a 2-0 loss.

However, the reigning world champions remain two points clear of Uruguay at the top of the qualification table, going into their next match at the Maracana against Brazil, who were beaten by Colombia last night.

For Moises Caicedo and Ecuador, there was an important point earned in a 0-0 draw with the surprise package of World Cup qualifying so far, Venezuela. It was a game of few chances, apart from a frantic last 10 minutes, during which Ecuador had a winner ruled out by VAR for an incredibly tight offside.

That result means Ecuador hold on to the sixth and final qualification spot for now, despite a three-point deduction, while Venezuela dropped down from second to fourth in the table. Caicedo and Ecuador are back in action on Tuesday against Chile.

In North America, Gaga Slonina was among the substitutes for the USA as they beat Trinidad & Tobago 3-0 in the first leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final. If they finish the job when the teams meet again on Tuesday, the USA will seal qualification for the finals of that competition and the next Copa America.

Cesare Casadei helped Italy Under-21s go top of Group A in qualifying for the 2025 European Under-21 Championship by trouncing San Marino 7-0. The Chelsea man lined up in midfield, before being withdrawn at half-time with his country already in a commanding 4-0 lead.

Casadei provided the assist for Italy’s second goal, flicking on a Riccardo Calafiori cross for Wilfried Gnonto to slide in the first of his brace against San Marino, and they never looked back. The victory sent the Azzurrini one-point clear at the top of the group, ahead of the Republic of Ireland, who they face next on Tuesday.

Ian Maatsen also played the first half of his country’s Under-21 qualifier, as the Netherlands were frustrated by a stubborn Gibraltar defence and some wasteful finishing of their own, but came out of the game with a 1-0 win regardless.

The margin of victory may have been narrower than they would have wanted after taking an early lead, but the Dutch won’t be too concerned as it maintains their 100 per cent record in the competition and they are yet to concede a goal in their five matches so far.

Lewis Hall was in the starting line-up on a difficult evening for England Under-20s, with Charlie Webster on the bench. The Young Lions enjoyed the better of the play against Italy but couldn’t create the chances they needed after conceding first, before two late goals gave the Italians a 3-0 win in the Euro Elite League.

Lucas Bergstrom was an unused substitute in a 3-0 friendly defeat for Finland Under-21s away to Sweden.