World Cup Qualifiers : Argentina vs Venezuela Review
SteemSports Presenter: @mindfreak
SteemSports Editor: @writingamigo
Argentina
Starting Lineup: Romero; Otamendi, Fazio, Mascherano; Dybala, Ever Banega, Di Maria, Pizzaro, Augusto, Messi; Icardi
Subs: Aguero, Pastore, Beneditto, Biglia, Acuna
Venezuela
Starting Lineup: Farinez; Villanueva, Chancellor, Feltscher, Victor Garcia; Yangel Herrera, Figuera, Moreno, Rondon; Cordova, Murillo
Subs: Colina, Martinez, Valaquez, Farias, Santos, Otero
The match which used to be just another 3 points for mighty Argentina side, has become a problem causing for this Sampaoli's side. With Chile losing to Bolivia and Colombia drew with Brasil, It was chance gifted for Messi and Co. to grab that 4th place to qualify for World cup and they missed it rather poorly. With Only two matches left into this qualifier, it will be tensed and difficult one from here.
First Half
The sharp start of Argentina in the start of the game had put Venezuela on defence, With Banega coming into squad back from injury, this was a chance for Messi to be more close to the goal. From the very starting minutes of the game, Argentina was moving ball confidently and Di Maria was looking very sharp after the disappointing performance against Uruguay. While, Di Maria had to sub off because of Hamstring in the later part of the first half, which was not a good sign for Argentina. Acuna subbed of Dimaria, who was sat on the bench after giving the start against Uruguay by Sampaoli. The possession stats were dominated by Argentina side but they had not found any space in strong Venezuela Defence, the 19-year-old Venezuela keeper had saved two great shots at the end of the first half from shots of Messi.
Second Half
The second half started with same Argentina possession and whole Venezuela team inside their half. The chance came for Venezuela in the 50th minute with the counter attack and they have not missed a chance. They scored a surprising goal and took the lead, the goal that might have ended the journey of Argentina side in the Russia's world cup. But with time in clock, Argentina side didn't take much to equalise the scoreline with Marco Icardi's first international goal. In the 54th minute of the game Marco Acuna have showed some great physical strenth and skill to get passed the defender and cross the ball in the box which was easily converted by Marco Icardi. The later half of the game Argentina was trying to put pressure on Venezuela side with Messi's beautiful dribbles and crosses and through balls but none of them have converted. A rather surprising substitution of Dybala for Beneditto from Sampaoli hasn't worked for his side. While, Icardi has been substituted by Pastore who is a midfielder from Psg, it was quite a brow raising decision when you need that 3 points desperately, while having Sergio Aguero on bench. The match ended with 1-1 scoreline and Venezuela side would be happy to get that point home.
But the draw was not enough for Argentina side, they needed a win to take a position in that top 4 spot. And they have failed miserably, as none of the chances created by Messi has been converted. The beautiful passes and strong dribbles from Lionel Messi has not been converted into a goal. Looking like one man running the country?
Match Stats
| Argentina 🇦🇷 | Teams | Venezuela 🇻🇪 |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Fouls | 15 |
| 3 | YellowCards | 5 |
| 0 | RedCards | 0 |
| 2 | Offside | 1 |
| 8 | Cornerkicks | 1 |
| 1 | Saves | 6 |
With high drama awaiting in this qualifiers? What do you think will Argentina will qualify for World Cup Russia 2018? With Peru playing amazing football in last few matches, the next match between these two will produce high voltage game!
You made it exciting to hear about thanks
Thanks for sharing information.
It is quite unpredictable. Peru is on a good run, because they started with 4 points out of the first 6 games, which is a very bad start. The last three games they have won, so the momentum is there. Only problem is the play Argentina away and Colombia at home. So the schedule is pretty hard.
Argentina on the other hand, is unrecognisable, they scored a measly 16 goals in 16 matches in this qualifier, only Bolivia scored less (14 goals). With players like Messi, Di Maria, Aguero and Dybala that is unacceptable.
The schedule is in their favour, they play at home against direct competitor Peru and away against Ecuador that has lost it's last 3 games.
Hard to say, but still I go with Argentina, because of the easier schedule!
The game against Peru will be important for the Argentina.
They have to win both the games though, but I think Peru will be tougher competitor than Ecuador right now.
Lets wait and see.