Alexis Sanchez canceled out Lionel Messi's goal from the spot to earn a point for Chile; Uruguay were held to a goalless draw by Paraguay.
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Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Chile at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades on Thursday night in the South American qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Alexis Sanchez canceled out Lionel Messi’s penalty to earn a point for Chile. The match was played in an empty stadium because of COVID-19 restrictions in Argentina. In another match, Uruguay, who played without Edinson Cavani, were held to a goalless draw by Paraguay.
Lionel Messi scored from the spot after the referee awarded the penalty following a long video review for defender Guillermo Maripan’s tackle from behind on Lautaro Martinez. The Argentina captain calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to make the score 1-0 in the 24th minute. It was Messi’s 72nd goal for La Albiceleste.
Sanchez equalized for Chile in the 36th minute. Charles Aranguiz’s inswinging free-kick from the left side was crossed in by a sliding Gary Medel at the far post which was tapped in from close range by Sanchez to equalize for La Roja. Despite attempting seven shots on target compared to Chile’s solitary goal attempt Argentina couldn’t find the winner. L. Scaloni’s side will next face Colombia on Tuesday.
Before kick-off, the home team paid tribute to legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona who died on November 25, weeks after the national team’s previous official match. A giant bronze statue was unveiled outside the stadium.
After the draw, Argentina remained in the second spot behind Brazil with 11 points from 5 games. Chile are placed 7th with 5 pints from as many games in the 10-team table.
Uruguay played out a goalless draw at the Centenario on Thursday night. Luis Suarez played without his partner in crime, Edinson Cavani who is serving a three-game ban for using the term “negrito” in an Instagram post.
The match was a cagey affair as chances were few and far between. An unmarked Luis Suarez headed the ball over the crossbar from close range in the early stages of the game.
Jonathan Rodriguez, who came in for Cavani netted the ball in the 24th minute, only to be denied by the video review. Matias Vina, who was in an off-side position was adjudged to have interfered in the reaction of goalkeeper Anthony Silva.
Uruguay and Paraguay are placed 4th and 5th respectively in the points table with 7 points from 5 games.
