Xtra Time Web Desk: A first half penalty strike by Lionel Messi saw Latin American giants Argentina register a hard fought 1-0 win over Equador in the FIFA World Cup 2022 South American Qualifiers at the Alberto Jose Armando (La Bombonera) on Thursday. The game wasn’t very fun to watch and Argentina weren’t even close to their best, but they earned three important points at home.
Both teams kicked the living hell out of each other, there was no rythm to any attacks, and while Argentina had more of the ball and spent more time on Ecuador’s half, it is hard to say they were the better team. It was Argentina who took the lead early in the half after Lucas Ocampos was fouled inside the box and Lionel Messi buried the penalty kick with confidence. Messi was active and tried to link up with teammates, but apart from the goal he scored the captain couldn’t really create any real danger.
At halftime, Argentina had the lead but Ecuador were starting to threaten, and the game still looked up for grabs ahead of the second half. The final period was more of the same, despite Argentina changing to a back three looking add more width to the attack, and that produced a couple of chances but nothing special.
Argentina will next face Bolivia in the FIFA World Cup 2022 South American Qualifiers. In another match Uruguay too registered a 1-0 win over Chile.