Pro Eleven Headline News

Sluggish Argentina Sneak Past Colombia

Argentina knew that their fans demanded a comprehensive victory after suffering a 6-1 mauling to Bolivia in their previous World Cup qualifier in April, but Los Albicelestes struggled to get into the game and were outplayed by the visitors for moments during the encounter at the Monumental stadium.

Diego Maradona's side tried to play the ball around in the midfield, but with little luck, as the Colombians closed them down time and time again.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi couldn't find his form, and this greatly affected the production of the side, as they rarely threatened the Colombia goal and couldn't manufacture a single goal scoring opportunity.

Colombia, on the other hand, looked dangerous when moving forward and could have gone ahead with a long-range drive from Vladimir Marin and then another clear-cut effort from Wason Renteria.

Boca Juniors midfielder Fabian Vargas pulled the strings in the Colombia midfield and he also intercepted a number of important balls.

As the half progressed Argentina came more into the game, and this was because of Juan Sebastian Veron's influence. The Estudiantes de La Plata captain controlled the midfield and always pushed his side forward, providing the attackers with good balls.

However, in the 36th minute Colombia almost broke the deadlock when a powerful Radamel Falcao Garcia effort was blocked by Mariano Andujar.

Five minutes before the break Diego Maradona replaced the highly ineffective Sergio Aguero with Diego Milito. The Atletico Madrid attacker seemed to have a slight injury.

Minutes before the break, Messi could have been sent-off when he flung an arm into the face of Marin after receiving some harsh treatment.

In the second period Argentina livened up a touch, but they continued to lack imagination when moving forward.

Seven minutes in Argentina almost went ahead when a long-range Messi free-kick struck the crossbar.

In the 55th minute Daniel Diaz put Argentina ahead when he volleyed home a Veron corner kick.

The goal seemed to motivate the two-time World Champions, and Messi in particular, who breezed through the Colombians with speed and determination.

Minutes later a powerful Javier Mascherano drive from an acute angle was kept out by David Ospina. Mascherano was having a good game in the centre of the Argentina midfield.

Towards the end of the game Colombia pressed in an aim to draw level and they came closest to doing this with a Camilo Zuniga thunderbolt that was saved by Andujar.

By no means did Argentina impress but they claimed three valuable points that move them closer towards South Africa.

Team Line-ups

Argentina: Mariano Andujar, Gabriel Heinze, Daniel Diaz, Martin Demichelis, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Gago (Javier Zanetti 45'), Jonas Gutierrez, Juan Sebastian Veron, Sergio Aguero (Diego Milito 40'), Carlos Tevez (Nicolas Burdisso 83') and Lionel Messi

Colombia: David Ospina, Mario Yepes, Luis Perea, Pablo Armero (Carlos Quintero 81'), Cristian Zapata, Fabian Vargas, Vladimir Marin (Gustavo Ramos 65'), Camilo Zuniga, Fredy Guarin, Radamel Falcao Garcia (Hugo Rodallega 72') and Wason Renteria

Goal: Daniel Diaz (55')

Yellow Cards: Javier Mascherano (11'), Luis Perea (23'), Vladimir Marin (41'), Martin Demichelis (61') Pablo Armero (71') and Fabian Vargas (78')

Goal.com