Argentina Dominates Brazil in World Cup Qualifier without Messi
Argentina showcased their formidable strength even in the absence of Lionel Messi, delivering a commanding performance against Brazil in their recent World Cup qualifier. The World Champions asserted near-total control throughout the match, signaling their dominance early with a fourth-minute goal from Julian Alvarez.
The match saw Enzo Fernandez shine, scoring a goal and assisting Alexis MacAllister. Matheus Cunha scored for Brazil in the 26th minute, but Argentina’s Guliano Simeone sealed the victory, solidifying Argentina’s path to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Argentina Player Ratings: Key Performances
Here’s a breakdown of how each Argentina player performed in their dominant win against Brazil:
- Emiliano Martinez (Goalkeeper) – 6/10: Not his most active game for Argentina. While he conceded one goal and didn’t make any saves, Argentina’s overall control limited Brazil’s opportunities.
- Nicolas Tagliafico (Defender) – 7/10: A strong performance from the Olympique Lyon player, providing the assist for Argentina’s fourth goal. Substituted in the 76th minute for Facundo Medina.
- Nicolas Otamendi (Defender) – 7/10: Excelled with accurate passing, completing 98% of his 52 passes. Also effective defensively, winning two tackles and 3 out of 6 duels.
- Christian Romero (Defender) – 6/10: Not his best outing. Lost possession leading to Brazil’s goal and lost 5 of 9 duels.
- Nahuel Molina (Defender) – 6.5/10: A decent game, with 57 touches and 44 of 48 passes completed. However, he struggled in duels, losing all six.
- Leandro Paredes (Midfielder) – 6.5/10: Solid in midfield, completing 59 of 61 passes. Lost 4 of 5 duels before being replaced by Exequiel Palacios.
- Alexis MacAllister (Midfielder) – 8/10: The Liverpool midfielder impressed, scoring Argentina’s third goal after a great play with Enzo Fernandez. Replaced by Nico Paz in the 76th minute.
- Enzo Fernandez (Midfielder) – 9/10: Stepped up as a key player in Messi’s absence. The Chelsea midfielder delivered a standout performance, scoring and assisting.
- Rodrigo De Paul (Midfielder) – 7.5/10: A strong midfield presence, leading the game with 68 passes and winning 6 of 9 duels.
- Thiago Almada (Forward) – 7/10: Contributed well in Messi’s absence, creating one scoring opportunity and making five ball recoveries.
- Julian Alvarez (Forward) – 7.5/10: Opened the scoring early in the match. Struggled in duels, losing 11, and was dispossessed 5 times.
Argentina Substitutes:
- Guliano Simeone – 7.5/10: Made an impactful appearance as a substitute, scoring shortly after coming on and securing Argentina’s victory.
- Facundo Medina – 6.5/10: Played a decent cameo, completing 6 of 7 passes from 13 touches after coming on in the 76th minute.
- Nico Paz – 6/10: Played the final 15 minutes, completing 4 of 5 passes from 6 touches.
- Exequiel Palacios – NA: Entered late in the game, not enough time to make a significant impact.
- Angel Correa – NA: Came on late and similarly lacked time to influence the match’s outcome.
Argentina’s dominant victory over Brazil in this World Cup qualifier highlights their depth and ability to perform at a high level even without their talisman, Lionel Messi. The team’s strong midfield and attack proved too much for Brazil, securing them a comfortable win and strengthening their position for the upcoming World Cup.
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