Argentina and Venezuela met at La Bombonera for the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualification clash on Friday. The Albicelestes put up a magnificent show as the home side defeated Venezuela by 3-0. They are finishing the qualification round in style while enjoying a 30-match unbeaten streak.
Lionel Messi scored a goal as the home crowd was pleased to see him combining with Di Maria. The hero of the Copa America final, Angel Di Maria, scored a copy of the Copa America final and provided an assist for Messi when he was subbed on in the 2nd half.
Argentina vs. Venezuela Match Overview
Argentina were expecting nothing less than a comfortable win against Venezuela in front of the home crowd. Lionel Scaloni’s side is well prepared and qualified for the World Cup, kicked off the match with a 29-match unbeaten run.
As Lautaro Martinez, Emiliano Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso, and Christian Romero were unavailable due to suspension or injuries, Lionel Scaloni got the opportunity to test some young talents. Pezzella started in the defense alongside Otamendi, Alexis Mac Allister started alongside De Paul and Paredes in the midfield. Messi, Joaquin Correa, and Nico Gonzalez started up front in the attack.
Scaloni’s side enjoyed total domination having 73% ball possession, 16 total shots, and 6 shots on target. Venezuela didn’t even have the ball for the first 15 minutes. De Paul and Paredes controlled the midfield, supplying crucial balls for Lionel Messi. Clearly, De Paul, Atletico Madrid’s regular starter, will be an inseparable part of Scaloni’s plan in the World Cup 2022.
Nico Gonzalez scored the first goal for Argentina in the 35th minute. De Paul found space in the penalty box and made a low cross into the six-yard that Nico sent home comfortably for 1-0.
Alexis Mac Allister was average in midfield, unlikely to be the first choice of Scaloni. Joaquin Correa was also not very good in the attack, missing some crucial chances. The whole dynamics of the game were changed when Di Maria was subbed on.
Di Maria came in at the 70th minute replacing Mac Allister. This ace forward came out to be a super-sub, making it 2-0 for Argentina in the 79th minute. Guess who’s with the assist? Yes, De Paul once again came up with a long ball which Di Maria chipped over the goalkeeper.
Only three minutes later, Di Maria made another impact, went into the box down the right side, made a pinpoint cross for Lionel Messi, who was unmarked inside the box, and boom! 3-0 Argentina.
Argentina’s Top Performers vs. Venezuela
Messi, Di Maria, De Paul, and Nico Gonzalez are Argentina’s top performers against Venezuela in their 3-0 win.
- Di Maria: 1 Goal, 1 Assist
- Messi: 1 Goal
- Nico Gonzalez: 1 Goal
- De Paul: 2 Assists
These players are parts of the starting XI for a long time, clearly, Scaloni’s main men for the World Cup 2022. With Argentina’s 30-match unbeaten run, they are one of the top contenders for the title.
Argentina’s Next Fixture
Argentina will play their next match against Ecuador away from home, on Tuesday, 29 March 2022, at 11:30 pm GMT. It will be their last match of CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers.
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