Lionel Scaloni will probably be glad with some extent as his facet struggled via 90 minutes on an almost unplayable pitch
Argentina could have few complaints after leaving Venezuela with some extent. La Albiceleste spent many of the night’s affair engaged in a moderately sloppy battle, Nicolas Otamendi’s purpose serving to salvage a 1-1 draw.
A rain delay noticed the fixture pushed again half-hour, and a waterlogged pitch appeared to swimsuit the house facet. Nonetheless, Argentina took the lead – albeit in opposition to the run of play – when Otamendi turned house from shut vary 13 minutes in.
Venezuela got here shut shortly earlier than half time, when veteran striker Salomon Rondon’s artful volley was pushed away by reserve Albiceleste goalie Geronimo Rulli. Rondon’s second arrived although, rising previous two defenders and heading previous a sprawling Rulli within the sixty fifth minute.
Lionel Messi appeared poised to attain a second, however noticed his effort denied by Rafael Romo after darting into the field late within the match. Supervisor Lionel Scaloni switched to a again 5 quickly after, and can probably go house pleased with a draw that retains La Albiceleste very a lot in charge of their very own future in 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.
GOAL charges Argentina’s gamers from Estadio Monumental de Maturin…
