Argentina won 1-0 against Chile in the South American World Cup qualifiers with Julián Álvarez getting the goal and Franco Mastantuono getting his first match.
The first half saw Argentina have most of the ball and creating the most chances while scoring. While it was Argentina who scored the only goal of the first half, it was Chile who had the first opportunity.
The ball fell to Alexis Sanchez but his effort was saved by Emiliano Martínez. Argentina’s first chance came down the right side where Simeone played a pass into the penalty area and that was left by Álvarez to De Paul but his effort went high.
Argentina scored the first goal through a play started by Leonardo Balerdi. He would pass it to Thiago Almada and Almada would run at the Chilean back line, he would play a pass to Álvarez who would chip the goalkeeper and score to give Argentina the 1-0 lead.
Lionel Scaloni’s team would create more chances but the first half would end without anymore goals.
The second half would see Lionel Messi being substituted in for Nico Paz. Argentina were awarded two corner kicks and a free kick but were unable to score.
Scaloni would make two more substitutions. Facundo Medina on for Leonardo Balerdi and Ángel Correa on for Julián Álvarez.
Chile would have an opportunity on goal but it was saved by Emiliano Martínez and they would have another effort which was deflected by Romero and hit the crossbar. Argentina had a chance to score when Messi played a through ball to Giuliano Simeone but Simeone’s effort hit the side of the goal.
Scaloni would make two more substitutions. Franco Mastantuono was brought on for the Argentina national team for the first time as he was substituted in for Giuliano Simeone and Juan Foyth was brought on for Thiago Almada.
Emiliano Martínez would make a big save towards the end of the match to keep a clean sheet.
Argentina remain top of the South American World Cup qualifiers and they will play Colombia on Tuesday.
JULIÁN ÁLVAREZ SCORES FOR ARGENTINA! 🇦🇷pic.twitter.com/uiaoxxQ5YY
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) June 6, 2025
Beautiful pass. Beautiful chip. Beautiful La Nuestra goal.
Meanwhile European media is obsessed over penaldo scoring another tap in.
I think much better was expected from Nico Paz. Other than a few moments, he was far from how well he does in Como. Sineone with a bit mo.re accuracy can be an asset. I still remember his missed chance against France. No goalkeeper, no nothin, still he headed the ball over the cross bar. Today he missed two absolute chances. But I think he did enough to win the confidence of Scaloni.
France? Simeone? When?
Who is better player Mastantuono or Soule? I believe Mastantuono Don’t have any chance in next WC.
Soule has kept improving. He just needs faith and opportunity.
Is anyone suspended for Columbia match. I saw cuti getting a Yellow.
@roy Waiting for the live discussion
We created some good chances but not as many as we are used to! G.Simeone’s finishing is still under development! He could be a good option if we are defending a lead but as a starter, not yet!
Nico Paz showed some flashes of good skills but it will take sometime to build up that chemistry! He is an attacking mid and needs to see more of the ball if he is to be utilized to full potential!
Julian Alvarez is our best striker and may also be our best inform player!
Congrats, ARGENTINA # 1 in the South American qualifier with a 10 point gap. It’s time to test the young players and let the vets rest and recharge 🇦🇷🇦🇷💙👏🤌✊️