CALAMA: Argentina had been with out Lionel Messi however targets from Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez gave the guests all three factors towards Chile in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
Argentina, who’ve already certified for Qatar, opted to relaxation Messi after his COVID-19 an infection however his Paris Saint Germain group mate Di Maria stepped as much as give them the lead with a trademark curling shot from outdoors the field after 10 minutes.
Chile’s English-born striker Ben Brereton equalised simply over 10 minutes later when he despatched a tremendous looping header over goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina then took benefit of an damage to Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to seal the win 11 minutes earlier than half time.
Bravo was making ready to be substituted when Rodrigo de Paul fired in a fierce drive from 30 metres, and with the goalkeeper solely in a position to parry the shot Lautaro Martinez adopted as much as slot residence the rebound.
“We knew it was going to be troublesome at excessive altitude and after an extended flight,” stated Di Maria. “The vital factor is that we come away with a win.
“Every thing is at all times a lot simpler when Leo is right here. The vital factor is that we hold working like we’ve been doing and bringing pleasure to Argentines.”
The end result, which was additionally achieved with out the presence of talismanic coach Lionel Scaloni, who was isolating at residence as a result of COVID-19, marks Argentina’s twenty eighth sport with out defeat.
Brereton’s purpose was the primary towards Argentina in seven qualifiers.
“As we speak we had been with out one of the best on the earth and our coach as nicely however we received the victory and that is additionally for them,” stated Di Maria.
The end result was an enormous blow to Chile’s hopes of qualifying for Qatar. They’re seventh, on 16 factors, within the 10-team South American qualifying group with solely three matches to play.
The highest 4 qualify mechanically and the fifth-placed group goes right into a playoff with a aspect from the Asian confederation.
Leaders Brazil and second-placed Argentina have already certified and Ecuador, who’re third with 24 factors, are nearly sure to affix them.
Argentina, who’ve already certified for Qatar, opted to relaxation Messi after his COVID-19 an infection however his Paris Saint Germain group mate Di Maria stepped as much as give them the lead with a trademark curling shot from outdoors the field after 10 minutes.
Chile’s English-born striker Ben Brereton equalised simply over 10 minutes later when he despatched a tremendous looping header over goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina then took benefit of an damage to Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to seal the win 11 minutes earlier than half time.
Bravo was making ready to be substituted when Rodrigo de Paul fired in a fierce drive from 30 metres, and with the goalkeeper solely in a position to parry the shot Lautaro Martinez adopted as much as slot residence the rebound.
“We knew it was going to be troublesome at excessive altitude and after an extended flight,” stated Di Maria. “The vital factor is that we come away with a win.
“Every thing is at all times a lot simpler when Leo is right here. The vital factor is that we hold working like we’ve been doing and bringing pleasure to Argentines.”
The end result, which was additionally achieved with out the presence of talismanic coach Lionel Scaloni, who was isolating at residence as a result of COVID-19, marks Argentina’s twenty eighth sport with out defeat.
Brereton’s purpose was the primary towards Argentina in seven qualifiers.
“As we speak we had been with out one of the best on the earth and our coach as nicely however we received the victory and that is additionally for them,” stated Di Maria.
The end result was an enormous blow to Chile’s hopes of qualifying for Qatar. They’re seventh, on 16 factors, within the 10-team South American qualifying group with solely three matches to play.
The highest 4 qualify mechanically and the fifth-placed group goes right into a playoff with a aspect from the Asian confederation.
Leaders Brazil and second-placed Argentina have already certified and Ecuador, who’re third with 24 factors, are nearly sure to affix them.