Argentina remain undefeated in 27 matches after 0-0 draw vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers

By
Roy Nemer
-
8

Argentina remainted undefeated in 27 matches after a 0-0 draw vs. Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers.

Lionel Scaloni’s team didn’t create many opportunities but were able to get a draw as they are closer to qualifying for the World Cup. It was Brazil who were creating the chances in the first half with one counter attack which nearly resulted in a goal.

Nicolas Otamendi nearly got red carded after an elbow to the face but the referee went to VAR and the decision was no card. One effort on goal by Rodrigo De Paul was the only threat Argentina provided in the first half.

Scaloni made two changes at half time bringing on Joaquin Correa for Lautaro Martinez and Lisandro Martinez for Leandro Paredes. A yellow card to Cristian Romero but he was substituted off due to an injury as German Pezzella would be brought into the match.

Angel Di Maria was taken out for Julian Alvarez with Nicolas Dominguez on for Gio Lo Celso as the last substitute for Argentina. Lionel Messi had one opportunity on goal but that was saved as the match ended in a 0-0 draw.

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8 Comments

  1. Hope Romero’s injury is not serious.
    Argentina needs to build around Romero, Emi Martinez, De PAUL and Messi. All other position is up for grabs. Scaloni needs to be open minded and not stick to to Copa players for the sake of it. More than any other position, the weakest spot is the no.9 position. Lautaro is the weakest spot. We need to try anyone in form at that position. For instance, this was a great opportunity to test Simeone. Momentum is very important. A missed opportunity here. Small details make huge difference.

  2. We are badly missing a good No.9 backup. Lautaro was ineffective. He thrives when we play a lot of passes in the final 3rd and there weren’t enough of those. My theory is that for Lautaro to be effective we need someone like Papu or Buendia who are not afraid to receive the ball near the half line and attack directly. This causes defense to compact giving wide berth to our wingers who can feed Lautaro. Other option is Lautaro receives the ball with his back to goal which he also good at but didn’t get any today.

    It also didn’t help that Messi, Parades and Romero were all below 100% fit.

    So,
    Papu/Buendia + Lautaro
    Or
    LoCelso + Alario/Icardi
    I agree that J.Correa is not No.9 at all.

  3. Scaloni on track to equal Basile’s 31 matches unbeaten record. The next 4 WCQs ( including Colombia game ) we should remain unbeaten. But i feel we let go a golden opportunity to beat a depleted Brazil.
    The backup striker option worries me . Lautaro had an off day & had to drift more towards left side. J Correa is clearly not the sub for him & Scaloni should try Gio Simeone / Alario as back up CF for remaining WCQs . It never looked like we will score in open play today.

  4. A draw against Brazil is a good result. We just didn’t defend, we punched equally. Yes, they had better chances and could have scored if it was not Vini. Early thoughts

    1. Rodrigo de Paul is now the #1 player for Argentina. The techniques, grit, desire, attitude sum of all puts him at #1 for me.
    2. Emi, Romero are solid. Though Romero must beef up.
    3. Lo Celso showed some desire in the second half. Wanted the ball a little more. He has to decide if he is going to be like De Paul or Paredes or become another Pastore.
    4. We seriously need a #9. Lautaro is great, we need 1-2 more. Seriously. This is not Pep’s team, with no #9. A target man is required badly.
    5. We seriously need 2 more center backs integrated to the team. Otamendi was very good today, but he could have got a red.

    And we have qualified!!! CONGRATS brothers!!!

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