By EFE
18 Oct 2023, 08:02 AM EDT
With two goals scored by Lionel Messi in the first time, Argentina defeated Peru 0-2 at home this Thursday and reaffirmed itself with a perfect campaign in the leadership of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Twelve points out of twelve possible and with three rivals as immediate pursuers five away.
Messi exhibited all his technical resources to tip the balance in favor of the Albiceleste with two precise shots when 32 and 42 minutes were played of the party in Lima National Stadium.
The world champions were faced with a Peru that sought better luck but, beyond having a couple of clear options in the first half, felt the pressure of having to escape from the penultimate position of the playoffsin which it finally remains.
After controlling the ball in their field for much of the first half, Argentina only had to launch a deep attack in the 32nd minute for Messi opened the account with a high shot from the center of the area after a cross from the left by Nico González.
Ten minutes later, the Argentines sent another quick counterattack and Messi increased the numbers after a cross from Enzo Fernández that Julián Álvarez could not connect but was left free to launch a low shot from the edge of the area to leave goalkeeper Pedro Gallese with no options.
The Peruvians felt the impact of these scores, which came when they had balanced the actions and had even launched two deep attacks that were not well resolved by the defender. Luis Abram and by Paolo Guerrero, who with a powerful shot from the right tested the reflexes of Dibu Martínez.
From then on, Argentina maintained its clear superiority in the game and controlled all the Bicolor attempts that at the beginning of the second half He ordered the entry of Renato Tapia, Bryan Reyna, Miguel Trauco and Joao Grimaldo.
With Guerrero among the players who left the field, Peru refreshed its offensive line but lacked depth, as most of its attempts dissolved on the lines, despite the impetus of Reyna, Grimaldo and Zanelatto, who in his debut Absolutely with the Bicolor he was the most outstanding player of the local team until he left the playing field, at 67, replaced by Sergio Peña.
Beyond these sporadic attempts, Argentina maintained control of the game and even scored a third goal in the 60th minute.which was annulled by the referee after reviewing the VAR, due to an advanced position.
When 77 minutes were played, Lionel Scaloni ordered the admission of Lautaro Martínez, Giovani Lo Celso and Marcos Acuña, replacing Julián Álvarez, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolás Tagliafico, which did not change the development of the game and maintained the solid scheme shown by Argentina in the Peruvian capital.
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