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Di Maria leads Argentina past Chile in Messi’s absence

By on June 7, 2016

Lionel Messi might be famously small but nobody can fill his shoes.  Nicolas Gaitán didn’t even think about it.  The Benfica winger filled in for Messi, who is still recuperating from a back injury, during Argentina’s Copa Centenario opener against Chile.

“He didn’t try to play like Messi because nobody can,” said Argentina coach Tata Martino.

Messi’s absence loomed over the occasion, a repeat of last year’s Copa America final that Chile won on penalties, but was quickly forgotten amidst a flurry of action at Levi’s Stadium.  Gaitan was just one piece of the puzzle as Argentina showcased their immense depth.  Angel di Maria stepped up as their chief creator, scoring once and assisting another as La Albiceleste defeated Chile 2-1.  The 69,000 fans packed into the Bay Area arena would not leave disappointed.

For both teams, it was a matter of pride and passion and the liveliness was palpable far before kickoff, spreading from the stands to the press box and onto the field.  After an intense and even first half, Argentina broke the deadlock in the second period via Di Maria’s opener and Éver Banega’s match-winner gave them firm control of the closing proceedings.  A late consolation goal for Chile with what was the last kick of the game mattered naught. This was a massive statement from Martino’s men that they are capable of winning the tournament even without their best player.

Argentina started brightly and Gaitán hit the woodwork just three minutes in, leaping up at the far post to flick Marcos Rojo’s cross onto the crossbar.

Di Maria dragged a low effort just wide of the post soon after and with only ten minutes gone by, the crowd had already been treated to more action than that of the entire tournament opener between the United States and Colombia.  High up in the Levi’s Stadium press box, a particular Chilean journalist was rubbing his hands together in anticipation; there was a real game on the cards.

Gonzalo Higuain was closed down up top but Argentina beat Chile down the wings.  Ramiro Funes Mori tested Claudio Bravo from twenty-five yards out and the ferocious start continued when Vidal was booked for a vicious tackle from behind on Nicolas Gaitan.

Higuain’s flick from Banega’s cross was deflected just wide at the near post and Rojo came close from the following corner as well.  The pressing from both sides was so intense, though, that numerous turnovers were intermixed with the lovely skill on show.

Chile grew into the game and Sanchez, in particular, caused problems for Argentina through the middle, coming close in the twenty-ninth minute after Nicolas Otamendi was dragged out of position.  The Arsenal winger forced Sergio Romero into a sprawling save with a curling effort from the edge of the area.

The crowd fed off the action and just as the intensity began to trickle away, a giant wave in the stands spurred another push on the brink of the half with Gabriel Mercado volleying just over the crossbar for Argentina and Mauricio Isla dragging down Gaitan thirty yards out, earning a booking.

The second half also got off to a flying start, with Chile in the drivers’ seat.  Juan Pizzi changed the dynamic by pushing Sanchez further up the pitch and dropping Jean Beausejour into the middle, shifting to a more proactive 4-3-3.  It appeared to have an immediate effect as Marcelo Diaz saw a twenty-yard volley deflected just wide moments into the half.

However, it left Chile prone to Argentina’s quick counter-attacks and Di Maria only needed one sloppy turnover to capitalize. Six minutes into the half he broke down the left and tucked a low effort under Bravo at the near post.

The goal sent Argentina roaring back into the match and they bagged another similar goal within seven minutes of the first.  Di Maria slipped Banega in down the left and the midfielder saw his low effort deflect off of Isla’s leg and into the back of the net past Bravo at the near post.

Higuain nearly added a third, forcing Bravo into a great kick-save at the near post from a tight angle.

Chile became increasingly frustrated, and although they had ample possession, their final touch wasn’t there.  As chance after chance went begging, the howls emanating from the Chilean side of the press box grew louder and louder.

Fuenzalida’s header slipped past Romero in the third minute of stoppage time and although it was too late to impact the match — Argentina’s grip only became stronger as the game wore on — it served as a reminder for Chile that all is not lost and they will still progress from Group D if they defeat Panama and Bolivia.

For Argentina, Messi’s expected return to action against Panama on Friday gives them even more confident they can avenge the disappointment of last year’s final defeat.  This was only the first step, they still have room to grow — a scary proposition for the rest of the field.  Said Martino: “Even though it wasn’t a decisive game at all the win put is in a very good position and gave us confidence. Winning makes us stronger.”

Homepage photo credit: Fanny Schertzer (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia CommonsBy 

About Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan, founder of Football Every Day, lives and breaths football from the West Coast of the United States in California. Aside from founding Football Every Day in January of 2013, Alex has also launched his own journalism career and hopes to help others do the same with FBED. He covers the San Jose Earthquakes as a beat reporter for QuakesTalk.com and his work has also been featured in the BBC's Match of the Day Magazine.