Lionel Messi scored a goal, Argentina wins against Ecuador

DBasia.news – The Argentine national team won a narrow 1-0 victory when they hosted Ecuador on Matchday 1 of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification 2022 zone, at the La Bombonera Stadium, Friday (9/10). Argentina’s only goal was scored by Lionel Messi.

Lionel Scaloni played Lionel Messi from the first minute. In addition, La Albiceleste’s banging power increased with the presence of the Inter Milan bomber, Lautaro Martinez.

As a result, Argentina made it difficult for Ecuador to develop the game. Argentina also excelled in ball possession.

Argentina were already winning 1-0 when the game had only been running for 13 minutes. The goal was born from the spot.

Argentina received a penalty after Lucas Ocampos was tackled by Pervis Estupinan in the forbidden box. Lionel Messi who was appointed as the executioner did a good job, even though the goalkeeper could read the direction of the ball.

The goal had made Ecuador step up in attack. However, Argentina did not want their defense to be easily penetrated.

Argentina created several opportunities, such as from Lionel Messi and Nicolas Tagliafico’s puncture. However, until the first half ended, no goals were scored. Argentina entered the locker room with a 1-0 advantage.

At the start of the second half or more precisely the 48th minute, the hosts had a golden opportunity to widen the distance. Unfortunately, Ocampos’s shot which led to the far post was still denied by Alexander Dominguez.

Ecuador retaliated with Estupinan’s move that broke through from the left. However, his shot was still able to be secured by Franco Armani.

To increase attack power, Scaloni had put Lucas Alario in the 76th minute to replace Lautaro Martinez who didn’t get too many chances. Previously, Eduardo Salvio has also replaced Marcos Acuna.

Both teams attacked back and forth with the remaining time. However, no more goals were created. Argentina ended the match with a 1-0 advantage.

With this victory, Argentina finished second in the standings. Next, Lionel Messi and his colleagues will visit Bolivia’s headquarters, Wednesday (14/10).

Meanwhile, in another match in the CONMEBOL zone, Paraguay played 2-2 against Peru, while Uruguay defeated Chile 2-1.

The composition of players:

Argentina (4-3-2-1): Franco Armani; Gonzalo Montiel (Juan Foyth 84 ‘), Lucas Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Marcos Acuna (Eduardo Salvio 66 ‘); Lionel Messi, Lucas Ocampos (Nicolas Dominguez 84 ‘); Lautaro Martinez (Lucas Alario 76 ‘)

Coach: Lionel Scaloni

Ecuador (4-4-2): Alexander Dominguez; Erick Ferigra (Angelo Preciado 46 ‘), Xavier Arreaga, Robert Arboleda, Pervis Estupinan; Renato Ibarra (Gonzalo Plata 64 ‘), Carlos Gruezo, Alan Franco, Moises Caicedo (Romario Ibarra 79’); Enner Valencia, Angel Mena (Michael Estrada 87 ‘)

Coach: Gustavo Alfaro