Notes from Chile vs. Argentina (WCQ- Round 15)

As the Hinchas were ramping up the drum-bits at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos on Thursday evening, Argentina team was moving the ball fluidly from one feet to another. La Albiceleste would fly back with three more points from Chile, and virtually knocking La Rojas out of the qualifiers. Here are my three take-aways from that game.

First half dominance

Argentina saw a lot of the ball in the first forty-five minutes. Almada and Julián linked up well, which led to the one and only goal of the match. It did not come as a surprise, as both of them had done the same in Paris Olympics last year. Nico Paz also impressed in the midfield where usual names of Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Paredes were missing. Giuliano Simeone was perhaps the most active player on the pitch. He created a few chances or was at the end of it, but his last touches let him down. He is still not a finished product, but he could well be before the World Cup begins next year! Overall, a solid first-half performance from the team. But something changed during the Second Half!

Fight back from Chile

A seemingly meaningless match for the Albiceleste, but it was far from anything like that for Chile, who desperately needed points to keep their World Cup dream alive. It was expected that Chile would try to get back to the match. The team in read could conjure up a spell of play between Minutes 55 to 70 where they were the better team on the field! Argentina’s midfield lost control of the game and it seemed Chile would score. Somehow thought, Ricardo Gareca’s side could not manage that. Argentina’s defense looked solid overall in the game, however, Molina was struggling on the right side a few times. Lionel Scaloni would surely look at this part of the game and find a solution against Columbia on Tuesday.

Unusual faces

In absence of the regular starters, young bloods like Balerdi, Nico Paz, Almada, Giuliano Simeone got into the starting eleven. All of them showed some level of promise. Balerdi looked well positioned to be a proper back of Otamendi. Almada is a serious contender for a starting position. Later in the game, Franco Mastantuono debuted for Argentina- becoming the youngest ever to do that! Although, he only got a few minutes and moments, it would be interesting to see if he gets some more minutes against Columbia at his home-ground (Monumental) on Tuesday.

Next up is Round 16 against Columbia. This one should be fun to watch!