World Cup 2022 qualifiers: Argentina concede late against Colombia to settle for a 2-2 draw

Argentine Romero and Paredes' early goals were canceled out Fruto and Borja's second half goals to secure a point for Colombia.

Argentina were held to a 2-2 by Colombia; Credit: Twitter/@Argentina
By Sreejith C R | Jun 9, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Argentina could only manage a 2-2 draw by Colombia at Estadio Metropolitano on Tuesday night. Colombia came from behind to level the game after going down by two goals early in the first half. Christian Romero Gave Argentina the lead before Leandro Paredes extended it with a solo effort. Colombia came out all guns blazing in the second half and pulled one back through a Muriel Fruto penalty. Miguel Forja scored a late equalizer to deny Albiceleste three points. It was Argentina’s second consecutive draw in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers.

Argentina had a dream start to the game and scored two goals inside 10minutes. Defender Romero Rodrigo de Paul’s free-kick from the right side. Five minutes after the goal, Paredes slotted the ball past Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina after somehow dribbling past a number of Colombian defenders inside the penalty area.

Before the interval, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez came off because of a head injury. The Aston Villa goalkeeper slammed his head on to the ground after coming into contact with Youri Mina while trying to collect a cross.

The home team slowly got back into the game and put the pressure back on the Argentines. They dominated the second half and a foul by Nicolas Otamendi inside the penalty area meant they got a penalty.

Luis Muriel stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Marchesin, who dived to the wrong side.

Messi quiet as Argentina drop points in World Cup 2022 qualifiers

Lionel Messi had a quiet game by his standards and Ospina made a number of fine saves to keep his side in the game. Before the hour mark, Ospina kept out a Messi free-kick that seemed destined for the top corner.

Messi then picked up Lautaro Martinez’s run inside the penalty area with a precise through ball. But Ospina saved the first-time shot from the Inter striker.

Instead of killing the game with a third, Lionel Scaloni’s side sat back and tried to hold on to the slender lead and were made to pay for it. Cuadrado’s cross from the right side was headed in by substitute Miguel Borja in the 94th minute to earn a point. 

Despite their second consecutive draw, Argentina are still second in the points table with 12 points from 6 games. Whereas Colombia are placed fifth, just outside the automatic qualification mark, with 8 points.