Argentina against Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers had one moment of controversy involving Nicolas Otamendi as CONMEBOL released their VAR audios.

Nicolas Otamendi could have been red carded for an elbow in the first half of Argentina’s World Cup qualifying match against Brazil. He elbowed Raphina in the face, resulting in the Brazilian bleeding.

The officials watching the replay in slow motion and ask to see it in normal speed. The official from VAR states that they think it’s a yellow card but that it is outside of the penalty area.

Otamendi was not given a yellow or a red card as the referee decided not to give anything.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke to the media after the team’s 0-0 draw vs. Brazil where he spoke about the team, the match against Brazil and the young kids.

Lionel Scaloni has now qualified Argentina for the World Cup and is undefeated in his last 27 matches. He spoke to the media about the team after the match. Here’s what he had to say:

“It’s something magnificent and something you dream about. How proud we are and thankful to the players. The difficult times will come but you have to be prepared. The World Cup qualifiers are difficult and the balance is positive. In these two matches, we took four points against two very difficult opponents. It has matured us.”

Scaloni also spoke about the match against Brazil and the draw:

“It was tough, hard and difficult. They came here to play their game, to try not to allow us to play and at times, they succeeded. The fundamental of it is that the team adapted to the circumstances. In the second half, we were a little better.”

In regards to the young players on the team:

“The result is very important but also that the kids go out. It’s the new blood that pushes us from behind.”

Regarding the possibility of playing against European teams:

“Today, there is no possibility to play against the Europeans. I don’t believe they would be superior than the teams here. Maybe they are different.”

Emiliano Martinez spoke about the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni.

Martinez has been Argentina’s goalkeeper since prior to the start of the Copa America and he continues to play well. He has not allowed a goal in 6 matches and has now qualified for the World Cup.

The Argentine took part in the 0-0 draw against Brazil and had one big save to make. Speaking to TyC Sports, Martinez had this to say:

“If someone said “this is going to happen in 2021″, nobody would have imagined it. But we knew that we were going to win the Copa America, we have the best in the world and someone who guides us very well.”

In regards to Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni:

“We ourselves already say La Scaloneta. Every day, he is a coach who guides us, we respect him a lot and confidence and every change he makesm he does it well. We support him and we are with him until the death.”

Regarding the fans:

“The truth is, it’s something that cannot be explained. I entered the pitch and I heard an ovation. I just want to repay them with a good performance and not allowing a goal. Luckily we were able to do that today and it’s a love and it’s pride. Every time I enter with the Argentina national team shirt, I want to respond back to the people.”

Argentina have qualified for the 2022 Qatar World Cup!

Lionel Scaloni’s team have qualified for the World Cup in Qatar. The 0-0 draw against Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers was not what allowed Argentina to qualify but it was Ecuador’s 2-0 win against Chile which has taken Argentina to Qatar.

It’s the top four teams in South America who qualify for the World Cup and the team number five in the table going to playoffs. The top four teams are Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Colombia with Peru right after on 17 points.

Four matches remain with 12 points up for grabs and Chile, who are behind Peru in the table are on 16 points. Should they win their remaining three matches, that would bring them to 28 points, one less than Argentina.

With both Colombia and Peru on 17 points, they play against each other in the next round and that would mean that both teams cannot reach 29 points.

Lionel Messi commented on Argentina’s 0-0 draw vs. Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers.

Messi started the match and played the full 90 minutes for Argentina as they remain undefeated in 27 matches. Despite not creating many chances, arguably Argentina’s best chance of the match fell to Messi in the second half as his effort from outside of the penalty area was saved by the goalkeeper.

He commented on his fitness and the match itself. Speaking to TyC Sports after the match, here’s what he had to say:

“I’m picking up pace. We always knew that we could, we tried to play but couldn’t. They also tried to play on the counter. The important thing is that we didn’t lose. We are close to qualifying.

“I got here with just enough, mostly because of the rhythm and this was a very intense game. I’m fine, otherwise, I wouldn’t have played. It’s not easy to play at the pace that this match demands.”