Argentina’s impressive 12-game unbeaten run was halted on Tuesday with a 2-1 loss to Colombia in Barranquilla.
The world champions faced a tough challenge without their captain, Lionel Messi, who was sidelined due to injury.
A Tough Match Without Messi
Argentina struggled without Messi, managing just one shot on target throughout the game.
They did level the score briefly with a goal from Nicolas Gonzalez in the 48th minute after Yerson Mosquera’s first-half opener for Colombia.
However, Colombia clinched the win when James Rodriguez converted a penalty in the 60th minute.
Tempers Flare After the Match
The defeat hit hard for the Argentine squad, who aren’t used to losing.
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez reacted strongly, swiping at a camera post-match.
Meanwhile, Cristian Romero confronted the hostile Colombian fans by proudly displaying the golden World Cup winners’ badge on his shirt.
Scaloni’s Frustrations
Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, was vocal in the post-match press conference, expressing his frustration with the referee’s penalty decision, which came after a VAR review.
Scaloni was also upset by what he saw as time-wasting tactics from Colombia after their second goal.
Scaloni remarked, “It hurts us; the penalty gave them a psychological boost and it affected us, but we still had a chance to level the game.”
Concerns Over VAR and Match Timing
Scaloni also criticized the use of VAR, suggesting that the referee’s view was skewed by the initial image shown.
He believes that the entire sequence of the play should be reviewed to make a more accurate decision.
Additionally, he questioned the decision to schedule the match at 3:30 pm, arguing that a later time would have been more favorable for player performance.
Acknowledging Colombia’s Performance
Despite the setback, Scaloni acknowledged Colombia’s skill and performance, stating, “They have great players and a well-oiled system.
They deserved their win, and we must congratulate them.”
Respect for the Fans
Scaloni also addressed the intense atmosphere created by the Colombian fans, recognizing their passion while noting the shift in reception once the team arrived at the stadium.
He ended on a positive note, appreciating the support they received at the hotel and emphasizing the significance of Argentina’s World Cup victory.
What’s Next?
Despite Tuesday’s defeat, Argentina remains at the top of South America’s World Cup qualifying table after eight rounds.
The team will need to regroup and stay focused as they continue their qualifying campaign.
TDPel Media
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