Argentina's player ratings against Colombia: Enzo Fernandez struggles as the James Rodriguez-inspired Cafeteros defeats the Lionel Messi-less Albiceleste in the Copa America final replay.
Without their star player, Lionel Scaloni's team was unsuccessful in a depressing World Cup qualification loss.
No fun without Lionel Messi. Argentina's 2-1 away loss to Colombia in World Cup qualifying was well-earned as they were outplayed by the South American team, who looked surprisingly weak at the back and lacking in creativity moving forward without their top player.
Messi could have made the difference here, but he's still sidelined due to a high ankle sprain he sustained in the Copa America final the last time these two teams played. But Argentina fell silent when asked to take up the slack.
The home team's first-half goal, which came from a skillfully executed corner routine, was well worth the credit. After La Albiceleste slept off, James Rodriguez floated a cross to the far post, and Yerson Mosquera dutifully nodded home.
But after the interval, Nico Gonzalez bucked Colombia's defense and finished through the keeper's legs to tie the score for Lionel Scaloni's team. But despite questionable conditions, the home team managed to secure a well-earned second. Following a thorough VAR examination, Daniel Munoz was found to have been fouled by Enzo Fernandez in the box. Despite Emi Martinez's typical gamesmanship, James, who was outstanding that evening, hammered home the ensuing penalty.
For the remainder of the match, Colombia was largely comfortable as Argentina, albeit having some intriguing attacking concepts, rarely posed a threat to the home team's goal. After all was said and done, Scaloni could only watch as his squad was soundly defeated.
Argentina's players at Estadio Metropolitano are rated by GOAL...
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