It was a game of two halves but an entertaining match despite the 0-0 scoreline. A rejuvenated Argentina which was coming off a 3-0 win against Guatemala started off in strong fashion, despite not scoring. The first real chance of the match fell to Exequiel PALACIOS as his first time shot from outside the area tested the goalkeeper.
#NuevoDesafío Primero Palacios y luego Martínez obligan a buenas respuestas de Ospina en el arco colombiano. pic.twitter.com/Uj58ekY2ea
— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) September 12, 2018
Mauro ICARDI, who sat out the match against Guatemala, had his first shot on goal from inside the area but like PALACIOS, his attempt was saved by OSPINA.
The trio of Gonzalo MARTINEZ, Giovani LO CELSO and Exequiel PALACIOS were all over the pitch. The trio were stringing passes together as well as pressuring the Colombian players when they were on the ball.
At half time, coach Lionel SCALONI made his first change with Franco CERVI coming on for Gonzalo MARTINEZ. Colombia started off the second half very strong forcing Argentina goalkeeper Franco ARMANI into a few saves.
Paulo DYBALA was finally brought into the match for Exequiel PALACIOS and added to Argentina’s attack which had gone missing to start the second half. Leandro PAREDES came on for Maxi MEZA who did not particularly have a good game.
Twice more ARMANI was asked to come into action, the first he slid down to push the ball away with the second coming minutes later as he caught a cross coming into his penalty area.
#NuevoDesafío ¡Armani! El arquero argentino reacciona en el momento justo. pic.twitter.com/5dVVRpFEvf
— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) September 12, 2018
Cristian PAVON came on for Giovani LO CELSO, Giovanni SIMEONE on for Mauro ICARDI and Marcos ACUNA for captain Nicolas TAGLIAFICO.
Argentina were awarded two free kicks, including one right on the edge of the penalty area but they both resulted in nothing.
