Messi rested but Argentina still too good for Chile

CAP: Argentina’s gamers rejoice after defeating Chile on their South American qualification soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Zorros del Desierto Stadium in Calama, Chile on January 27, 2022 -AFP

Argentina have been with out Lionel Messi however objectives from Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez gave the guests all three factors in opposition to Chile in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Argentina, who’ve already certified for Qatar, opted to relaxation Messi after his COVID-19 an infection however his Paris Saint Germain workforce mate Di Maria stepped as much as give them the lead with a trademark curling shot from outdoors the field after 10 minutes.

Chile’s English-born striker Ben Brereton equalized simply over 10 minutes later when he despatched a tremendous looping header over goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Argentina then took benefit of an damage to Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to seal the win 11 minutes earlier than half time.

Bravo was making ready to be substituted when Rodrigo de Paul fired in a fierce drive from 30 metres, and with the goalkeeper solely capable of parry the shot Lautaro Martinez adopted as much as slot residence the rebound. “We knew it was going to be tough at excessive altitude and after an extended flight,” mentioned Di Maria. “The necessary factor is that we come away with a win. “Every thing is all the time a lot simpler when Leo is right here.

The necessary factor is that we preserve working like we have been doing and bringing pleasure to Argentines.” The end result, which was additionally achieved with out the presence of talismanic coach Lionel Scaloni, who was isolating at residence as a consequence of COVID-19, marks Argentina’s twenty eighth sport with out defeat.Brereton’s objective was the primary in opposition to Argentina in seven qualifiers. “In the present day we have been with out one of the best on the earth and our coach as properly however we acquired the victory and that is additionally for them,” mentioned Di Maria.

The end result was an enormous blow to Chile’s hopes of qualifying for Qatar. They’re seventh, on 16 factors, within the 10-team South American qualifying group with solely three matches to play.The highest 4 qualify robotically and the fifth-placed workforce goes right into a playoff with a aspect from the Asian confederation.Leaders Brazil and second-placed Argentina have already certified and Ecuador, who’re third with 24 factors, are nearly sure to hitch them.

—Reuters

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