Match Recap
Argentina struggled to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela in their Group D World Cup qualifier on a rain-soaked and difficult field. The downpour delayed the game by 30 minutes, making the pitch nearly unplayable and slowing the match's tempo. In such trying conditions, Argentina took an early lead against the run of play when veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi scored from close range after just 13 minutes.
However, the hosts did not go down without a fight and nearly levelled before the break as Salomon Rondon had a header that would have served justice against Argentina's second-choice goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. Rondon finally got his due when he outmuscled the defenders after outsmarting them to powerfully head the ball past the hapless Rulli 65 minutes in.
Lionel Messi, marked tightly throughout, looked to do just that in the final stages of the game, bursting into the box and unleashing a shot. But Venezuelan keeper Rafael Romo was well-placed to come and make a super save that kept the scores level. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni went back to a back-five late on to hold out for a point.
Player Ratings and Analysis
Goalkeeper & Defense:
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Geronimo Rulli (6/10): Replaced the suspended Emi Martinez. Showed composure with some fine saves, but could do little to prevent Rondon’s equalizer.
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Nahuel Molina (5/10): Strong in one-on-one situations, but his defensive lapse allowed Venezuela to find their equalizer.
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Nicolas Otamendi (5/10): Opened the scoring for Argentina, displaying his attacking instinct, but struggled defensively as the game progressed.
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German Pezzella (5/10): Found himself in a fierce battle with Rondon and was often outmatched by the physicality of the Venezuelan forward.
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Nico Tagliafico (5/10): Faced limited threats down his side but, like the rest of the defense, struggled to string together passes in the wet conditions.
Midfield:
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Enzo Fernandez (5/10): Unable to control the game with his usual rhythm due to the waterlogged pitch, making minimal impact in the midfield battle.
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Rodrigo De Paul (7/10): A gritty performance as he fought for every ball and created chances with precise passes despite the tough conditions.
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Giovani Lo Celso (5/10): Largely absent before being substituted early in the second half.
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Thiago Almada (5/10): The young midfielder struggled to impose himself in a rare start and was sacrificed at halftime.
Attack:
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Lionel Messi (7/10): The captain’s influence was limited by the poor pitch conditions, but he still managed to create opportunities, including a key cross that led to the opening goal.
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Julian Alvarez (6/10): Pressed the Venezuelan defense well and made several intelligent runs but was unable to provide the clinical finish Argentina needed.
Substitutes & Manager Review:
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Gonzalo Montiel (6/10): Provided energy and aggression, winning key tackles after coming on.
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Leonardo Balerdi (7/10): Added physical presence at the back, helping Argentina manage Venezuela’s attacks.
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Lautaro Martinez (N/A): Had limited time and involvement after his introduction.
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Leandro Paredes (N/A): Little time on the pitch to make an impact.
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Lionel Scaloni (6/10): The coach made early adjustments by bringing in substitutes to stabilize the game. His decision to switch to a defensive approach after Argentina’s goal was likely the right call, as the team held on for a valuable point. With the tough conditions in mind, a draw keeps Argentina firmly on track in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Match Analysis:
Argentina had difficulties playing their game, even when the pitch wasn’t as friendly. The drenched ground impeded their quick passing and compelled them to play a more roughhouse game which was to Venezuela’s advantage. All these challenges, however, Lionel Scaloni’s men were able to handle them. The fact that the players are capable of stubbornly holding on for a draw even during unfavourable circumstances illustrates the development of the team in their quest for qualification to the summer show-piece.
Lionel Messi was under close surveillance and was not in the best conditions, but was still able to use his skills and even assist Otamendi to score, as well as trouble the opponent’s defence in the dying minutes. Every single point matters, and so does that typical performance against teams from the southern part of the continent, with the world cup qualifiers getting tougher by the day.
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