Sunday night presented another Copa huddle for the embattled Albicelestes to surmount, and this time, it came in the form of Qatar. Just wondering what Messi's detractors like @Zoneboy would have said if Argentina were knocked out of the ongoing Copa America at such early stage. They would probably slaughter any Goat they lay their eyes on in caricature of Messi, haha...
However, while the Argentine owe gratitude to Providence, they also owe some appreciation to Columbia, who ensured Paraguay didn't pick a win against them. Perhaps a little breathing space to relax, soak the pressure and restrategise how they gonna navigate past the tempest at the knockout stages.
In a night that Argentina knew they had only one choice, it took the attacking instincts of Lautaro Martinez and a veteran strike from Sergio Aguero to secure a spot for Scaloni's side, as they book a date with Venezuela at the Quarter final stage. Both forward came through when their firing boots were needed the most, and their two goals made sure the game was put beyond the reach of a resilient Qatar side.
Not A Convincing Win For Me
Yah, Lionel Scaloni's side is through to the next round, and while they savour their fleeting smile and ecstasy, it's worthy of note that this team is still playing below expectations. The group stage comes with a second chance, but I don't team they will be that fortunate at the knockout stages. They lost against Columbia in their first group match, but had the chance to right their wrongs in subsequent games. Am elated that they've somewhat found a spot in the quarter finals, but my mind tells me they won't cross the line if they don't put their asses together and fix the cracks.
The 2-0 win over Qatar have extended their stay in Brazil and handed them another hope of landing a silverware after a long while. In a world where Luck or fortune don't always come in handy, their survival going forward will depend on whether the team is willing to put up something spectacular, or sit back and allow history to feed on them. They really lack team build up and rarely understand one another, thus, players most times have to explore their individual brilliance and experience to put up something eye-catching.
Going into the Quarter final match against Venezuela, they will be presented with no better option than to win and progress to the Semi finals, or lose, pack their Luggage and every man to tent. They will sure not receive any ovation from Argentines while they bow their heads in utter disgrace. An early goal from Argentina could be enough to help them settle into the game when they go against Venezuela. It took just 4 minutes for Lautaro Martinez to put Scaloni's side on the lead, as he took advantage of a defensive error to drive home a brilliant goal.
It was still Lautaro's shot that incited the Penalty Lionel Messi converted in their previous game against Paraguay to steal a 1-1 draw. The inter forward is showing great attitude and will need to improve on that as they go forward. Sergio Aguero should have increased the tally in several occasions, but Qatar goalkeeper will sure be happy to have encountered the City striker in his not too awesome night. Be that as it may, Aguero still atoned for his profligacy by netting Argentina's second goal of the night and of course seal the game for Scaloni's side.
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