Buenos Aires: Argentina started off their qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Ecuador at the Estadio Alberto J. Armando on Friday (October 9) with Lionel Messi being the sole scorer of the game.
Coach Lionel Scaloni set-up his side in a 4-3-2-1 formation with Nicolas Otamendi being paired with youngster Lucas Martinez at the heart of the defence. Lautaro Martinez was the sole striker up front with Messi and Sevilla’s Lucas Ocampos both playing as a supporting forward.
Argentina were keeping the possession of the ball with Messi making ticking the game in a comfortable fashion causing problems for to Ecuador defence. It eventually led to the goal as in-form Ocampos who was driving towards the goal taken-down in the box by Pervis Estupiñán with a clumsy tackle. Lionel Messi made no mistake in converting the spot.
Ecuador opted for more a physical approach to the game hoping to contain Argentina’s forwards. Lautaro was quite good at holding up play and bringing players into games. In the second half, Ocampos had a great chance when Laurtaro put a ball on a plate for him but the Sevilla man’s shot was saved by the goal-keeper.
Ecuador’s defence kept it tight making sure they don’t give the Argentines too much to work with. The final scoreline doesn’t give full credit to Ecuador’s efforts to keep the score down to 1-0. It was more of a hard-earned win for Messi’s side as they did create much in the second half.
Their next match is against Bolivia on October 14 and coach Scaloni will be hoping that he improves their game soon.
