• Argentina Thrives Without Messi: Despite Lionel Messi's absence due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final, Argentina delivered a commanding performance, demonstrating their depth and quality.

• Emotional Farewell for Angel Di Maria: The match began with a touching tribute to Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football. His farewell set an emotional tone that spurred the team on.

• Second-Half Surge: After a scoreless first half, Argentina came out with renewed intensity. Alexis Mac Allister scored just three minutes into the second half, setting the stage for a dominant display.

• Julian Alvarez Steals the Show: Alvarez was the standout player, assisting the first goal and scoring a stunning long-range effort in the 84th minute, showcasing his growing importance to the team.

• Dybala Seals the Victory: Paulo Dybala, coming off the bench, added the third goal in stoppage time, underscoring Argentina's attacking depth and ability to finish games strongly.

• Solid Defensive Performance: The defense, led by Emiliano Martinez and Nicolas Otamendi, was solid throughout, maintaining a clean sheet and neutralizing Chile's attack.

• Argentina Extends Lead in World Cup Qualifying: With this victory, Argentina solidifies their lead at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, five points clear of second-place Uruguay, and continues their strong run in the qualifiers.

Photo credit - Clarin Fotografias

Argentina continued their winning momentum in their first match since securing the 2024 Copa America, defeating Chile 3-0 in a World Cup Qualifier on Thursday. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala secured the win and extended Argentina's lead in the CONMEBOL standings.

Photo credit - Clarin Fotografias

An Emotional Farewell to Angel Di Maria

Before the game, Argentina bid an emotional farewell to Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football after winning the Copa America. Surrounded by his family, Di Maria delivered a heartfelt speech in front of a packed stadium filled with fans using their phone flashlights to create a sea of lights, honoring the winger's contribution to La Albiceleste.

Scoreless First Half Followed by a Strong Second Half

The first half was intense, with both sides battling hard but unable to break the deadlock. However, Argentina came out of the break with renewed energy. Just three minutes into the second half, Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring with a goal, assisted by Julian Alvarez.

Alvarez Steals the Spotlight

While Mac Allister's goal set the tone, it was Alvarez who shined brightest in the match. The Manchester City forward looked comfortable playing in a front two and delivered a stunning strike in the 84th minute, firing a shot from the edge of the box that went off the bar and into the net, doubling Argentina's lead.

Dybala Seals the Victory

In stoppage time, substitute Paulo Dybala added the finishing touch to Argentina's dominant performance. Coming off the bench, the Roma star launched a powerful shot into the net, securing a 3-0 victory for Argentina.

Argentina Maintains Strong Lead in CONMEBOL Standings

With this win, Argentina remains at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with 18 points out of a possible 21. They lead second-place Uruguay by five points, with Colombia closely behind in third. Argentina's next challenge will be against Colombia in Barranquilla.

Goalkeeper & Defense

• Emiliano Martinez (8/10): Made a crucial save in the first half and remained solid throughout the match.
• Lisandro Martinez (7/10): Active in attacking set pieces and solid defensively.
• Cristian Romero (7/10): Generally composed, despite a few shaky moments.
• Nicolas Otamendi (8/10): Excellent passing display, completing 96% of his 84 passes.

Midfield

• Nahuel Molina (7/10): Controlled the right flank well.
• Rodrigo De Paul (8/10): Led the midfield with experience and composure.
• Alexis Mac Allister (8/10): Scored the opener and linked well with the forwards.
• Enzo Fernandez (7/10): Solid performance without any major errors.
• Nico Gonzalez (6/10): Subbed off early due to injury; solid defensively but limited in attack.

Attack

• Lautaro Martinez (6/10): Struggled to find space but helped create opportunities for others.
• Julian Alvarez (9/10): Assisted on the opener and scored a spectacular second goal, making him the standout performer.

Substitutes & Manager

• Giovani Lo Celso (8/10): Came on early in the second half and assisted on Alvarez's goal.
• Marcos Acuna (N/A): Played the last few minutes to help close out the game.
• Paulo Dybala (8/10): Scored Argentina's third goal after coming off the bench.
• Alejandro Garnacho (7/10): Assisted on Dybala’s goal and was lively in his brief time on the pitch.
• Valentin Castellanos (N/A): Played at the last minute.
• Lionel Scaloni (8/10): His halftime talk seemed to energize the team, leading to a dominant second-half performance.

Photo credit - Clarin Fotografias

A relief for the next match?

This victory is not only a tribute to Angel Di Maria but also highlights Argentina's depth and adaptability, especially in the absence of Lionel Messi, who missed the match due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final. With key players stepping up and delivering strong performances, Argentina looks set to maintain their dominance in World Cup Qualifying as they head into their upcoming match against Colombia.

Inputs by Goal.com

Image Source: Multiple Agencies

Ⓒ Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.