Argentina’s 3-0 win over Chile in World Cup qualifying on Thursday highlighted their dominance, with Julian Alvarez showcasing why Atletico Madrid invested heavily in him. The result, achieved after their Copa America triumph, ensured Argentina stayed at the top of the CONMEBOL standings.
The match was also a heartfelt farewell to Angel Di Maria, who announced his international retirement. Before the game, Di Maria was honored with an emotional tribute, receiving cheers and cell phone flashlights from a packed crowd.
The game began intensely, but the first half ended without goals. Argentina emerged stronger after the break. Just three minutes into the second half, Alexis Mac Allister scored with an assist from Julian Alvarez, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead.
Alvarez, filling the gap left by the injured Lionel Messi, had a standout performance. His moment came in the 84th minute with a stunning long-range shot that bounced off the crossbar and into the net. Paulo Dybala added a third goal in stoppage time, capping off the performance.
Here’s how the players rated:
- Emiliano Martinez (8/10): Made an excellent save in the first half and was solid throughout.
- Lisandro Martinez (7/10): Contributed both defensively and offensively, including a chance on target from a set-piece.
- Cristian Romero (7/10): Composed in defense, with a few minor issues but recovered well.
- Nicolas Otamendi (8/10): Outstanding in passing, completing 96% of his 84 passes.
- Nahuel Molina (7/10): Solid as a wing-back, effective down the right flank.
- Rodrigo De Paul (8/10): Dominant in midfield, showed leadership and composure.
- Alexis Mac Allister (8/10): Excellent in the middle, scored the crucial opener.
- Enzo Fernandez (7/10): Not as influential but still performed well.
- Nico Gonzalez (6/10): Subbed off due to injury early in the second half, had a quiet impact.
- Lautaro Martinez (6/10): Struggled to find space, played a decent decoy role but had no shots.
- Julian Alvarez (9/10): Provided an assist for Mac Allister and scored a brilliant goal from long range.
- Giovani Lo Celso (8/10): Made a significant impact off the bench with an assist for Alvarez’s goal.
- Marcos Acuna (6/10): Contributed in closing out the match in the final minutes.
- Paulo Dybala (8/10): Scored the third goal in stoppage time, making a perfect impact off the bench.
- Alejandro Garnacho (7/10): Assisted Dybala’s goal and was lively in his brief appearance.
- Valentin Castellanos (N/A): Subbed on late in the match.
Lionel Scaloni (8/10): Made effective tactical changes at halftime, leading to a dominant second-half performance.