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W.Cup Qualifying: Argentina tops group B as Messi shines

South American World Cup qualifying games were played yesterday in different parts of South America and Argentina became a force to reckon with as the … Continue reading W.Cup Qualifying: Argentina tops group B as Messi shines


South American World Cup qualifying games were played yesterday in different parts of South America and Argentina became a force to reckon with as the Linel Messi-led squad crushed fellow South American country; Ecuador 4-0  as Argentina has became the leader of group B with the score-line,  thanks to Barcelona star, the Merciless Messi.

Argentina’s decision to play their four world class forwards was fully justified as Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria were on call within 11 minutes of the first half as three goals were recorded in quick succession.

Barcelona Star Lionel Messi once showed what he was known for, with his deft moves on field and magical display of skills as he has been doing while on call for his country; Argentina and Barcelona as he finally won over the crowd at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.

With the structured pattern displayed by Argentina, the squad was obviously centred on the Barcelona strike from attack to defence as he led the formation from back to front till the end of the match.

According to Coach Alejandro Sabella “We have to be a solid team, structured in defence and accompany Lionel so he can express himself to the full”.

Argentina lead the South American group with 10 points from five matches, one more point than Chile, who beat Bolivia 2-0 in La Paz, and two ahead of Uruguay and Venezuela who drew 1-1 in Montevideo.

The next challenge the South American side will be rooting to overcome is the friendly game with arch-rivals and World Cup hosts; Brazil which will be played in the United States next weekend.

Meanwhile in other games played in South America, Copa America holders Uruguay failed to end their Venezuela jinx, going a fifth World Cup qualifier in succession without beating their opponent.

Diego Forlan put Uruguay ahead at the Centenario when he extended his national scoring record to 33 in the 39th minute.

But, with little more than five minutes left, a header by Venezuela striker Jose Salomon Rondon had defender Diego Godin head the ball into his own net.

After the game, Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez told reporters while speaking for the players and his staff that they are all not pleased with the outcome of the game as they need to work harder to achieve good results which they desire.

Chile served notice they are still a force despite initial problems that included Coach Claudio Borghi suspending a quintet of players for breaking a curfew before a qualifier against Uruguay last November.

Borghi’s side notched up a third win as Chile made it three successive qualifying victories in the thin air of La Paz, absorbing pressure and hitting Bolivia on the break.

Forward Charles Aranguiz put Chile ahead in first-half added time and Bolivia’s hopes took a further dive when defender Luis Gutierrez was sent off early in the second half for a foul on Alexis Sanchez.

Bolivia’s coach Gustavo Quinteros, a member of the country’s last team to go to the finals in 1994 was also sent to the stands for protesting.

Midfielder Arturo Vidal, the only one of the five players disciplined in November to be pardoned and have his suspension reduced, made sure of the points with a second goal seven minutes from time netting a ball that came back off the post.

Bolivia, bottom of the group with one point from five matches, paid for their poor finishing when they dominated early on in both halves.

Peru, one from bottom with three points and looking to end a 32-year wait for a place in the finals, host Colombia in Lima today.