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World Champions Argentina continue their winning run as they defeated Bolivia last night without their superstar, Lionel Messi. Argentina started their Qualifier Round with a victory against Ecuador and extended their winning run by defeating Bolivia in their second game.
Bolivia welcomed the World Champions at Estadio Hernando Siles, which stands more than 3,000 meters above sea level. This massive altitude makes this stadium one of the toughest to play football here. Therefore, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni didn’t take any risk to start Lionel Messi against Bolivia. However, Argentina dominated the home side without Lionel Messi. The Albiceleste defeated Bolivia by a 3-0 margin and secured their second successive victory in the Qualifiers.
Match Report
Manager Lionel Scaloni made two changes to the squad to face Bolivia. Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez were given rest against Bolivia. Therefore, Angel Di Maria wore the Captain’s armband in the absence of Lionel Messi, while Julian Alvarez played as the center-forward in the replacement of Lautaro Martinez.
Lionel Scaloni set up Argentina’s formation with 4-3-3, while Bolivia’s boss played his team in a 5-3-2 formation. After conceding five goals against Brazil, Bolivia’s manager deployed five defenders against Argentina.
However, Argentina took control of the midfield from the very beginning. Enzo Fernandez and Mac Allister were brilliant with the ball. But despite having more possession, Argentina had to wait until 30 minutes to break the deadlock. Enzo Fernandez drew the first blood as he scored the opener from a fantastic cross from the skipper Di Maria.
Di Maria set up another goal within ten minutes. This time, Nicholas Tagliafico converted Di Maria’s free-kick into the goal with a powerful header. As a result, Argentina went to the break with a two-goal lead.
Returning from the break, Argentina slowed down their game but didn’t lose the possession. Besides, the home team tried hard to break Argentina’s defense. But Christian Romero and Nicholas Otamendi continued their superb performance. The defensive duo didn’t allow Bolivian strikers into the box.
Moreover, Argentina got their third goal just before the full-time whistle. This time, Nicolas Gonzalez scored the third goal with a powerful shot to make the scoreline 3-0. The game ended with Argentina winning, extending their unbeaten streak to 12 games.
Scaloni on giving Messi a rest
Manager Lionel Scaloni explained why he gave Messi a rest against Bolivia. Scaloni said, “Leo wasn’t ready to play. Yesterday he tried to recover and he didn’t feel comfortable. We didn’t risk it.”
“It was not necessary because important things are coming. The stop was difficult. Even entering it could be done wrong,” Scaloni added.
However, the manager is very happy with the team’s performance. “We are happy. It was a very difficult game and we pulled it off. The formula is players who play very well. There is a group that plays football very well. Without them, it would be impossible. It is their credit.”
