Copa America: Argentina had to settle for a draw with Chile who earn a valuable point

Lionel Messi of Argentina, Charles Aránguiz and Arturo Vidal of Chile (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Argentina, Charles Aránguiz and Arturo Vidal of Chile (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Argentina had many chances to put their game against Chile to bed but a point shared is what both countries will have to settle for after their meeting.

Chile played a more defensive game compared to their opponents and only conceded through a majestic free-kick by Lionel Messi in the first half. Arturo Vidal couldn’t convert from the spot but a teammate was able to score from the rebound.

Match Information

Argentina 1-1 Chile

Goalscorers:

Argentina – Lionel Messi 33′

Chile – Eduardo Vargas 57′

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Screenshot-2021-06-16-at-02-56-51

Argentina 1-1 Chile match recap

It was expected this game was going to be well contested since these countries have a haeted rivalry going on in recent years.

Out of the last three Copas Americas, two of it had these countries as its finalists. It is always an exciting game to watch and it didn’t disappoint.

A game where Argentina had control for the most part but Messi couldn’t find a partner to help him get the second goal. The Argentine magician scored a beautiful free-kick but it wasn’t enough for La Albiceleste to get the win.

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Scaloni needs to find Messi a partner who can take the load off him. Also, Argentina had Cristian Romero injured who was their main option at center-back after some goods qualifying games in the last weeks. It was a very disappointing result for the Argentinians.

Chile scored, on the other hand, secured a good point for themselves against the toughest team in Group B. It is a relief for La Roja to get a point against Argentina without one of their main stars, Alexis Sanchez, who will miss the group stages with a calf injury.

Argentina Player Ratings:

Emiliano Martinez – 7.0; Gonzalo Montiel – 6.0; Lucas Martinez Quarta – 7.0; Nicolas Otamendi – 4.0; Nicolas Tagliafico – 5.0; Leandro Paredes – 7.0; Rodrigo De Paul – 7.0; Giovani Lo Celso – 8.0; Lionel Messi – 8.5; Nicolas Gonzalez – 4.0; Lautaro Martinez – 5.0

Subs: Angel Di Maria – 4.0; Ezequiel Palacios – 5.0; Joaquin Correa – 5.0; Sergio Agüero – 4.0; Nahuel Molina – 4.0

Chile Player Ratings:

Claudio Bravo – 8.0; Mauricio Isla – 7.0; Gary Medel – 7.0; Guillermo Maripan – 8.0; Eugenio Mena – 7.0; Erick Pulgar – 7.0; Charles Aranguiz – 6.0; Arturo Vidal – 5.5; Carlos Palacios – 6.0; Jean David Meneses – 6.0; Eduardo Vargas – 7.0

Subs: Ben Brereton – 6.0; Cesar Pinares – 6.0; Enzo Roco – 4.5; Tomas Alarcon – 5.0; Pablo Galdames – 4.0

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Does this result give us a preview of what Argentina is capable of doing in the tournament?

Argentina was expecting a win against Chile in this game and the tie.

Scaloni would probably make some changes to his starting XI in their next game against Uruguay on June 18th. Argentina would probably have Cristian Romero back which would help them to be more secure in the back.

For Chile, it is a very good point and they will try to keep fighting without their main star in the next game against Bolivia on June 18th.

This should be an easy game for the Chileans where they should secure all three points and probably move on top of Group A.

Next Match – Copa America Matchday 2

Chile vs. Bolivia  – Friday, 18 June
Uruguay vs. Argentina – Saturday, 19 June