Exhibition game Argentina – Chile
Argentina and Chile came to Los Angeles to play an exhibition game at the fully renovated Coliseum stadium where a few thousands fans witness a 0-0 tie between two of the best teams in the world. Both teams have built a recent rivalry that saw its peak during Copa America third place match when Lionel Messi and Gary Medel got into a scuffle and were sent off the field.
Last night both players were out of the lineup but the match still was full of talented players with Dybala (Juventus), Otamendi (Manchester City), Lo Celso (Tottenham) for Argentina and Vargas (Tigres) and Alexis Sanchez (Inter Milan).
The stage, at the renovated Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, redesigned with a multimillion-dollar investment served as a spectacular framework for the first international soccer game played here since the historic stadium’s redesign.
Argentine Coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad was superior during the first half but couldn’t take advantage of the opportunities his team created. During the early part of the second half, Chile, led by Reinaldo Rueda, dominated play but didn’t succeed in scoring either. As the game progressed, things became a bit more even as both teams controlled the ball for equal time, although Argentina had better opportunities (13 shots for Argentina and five for Chile).
Slow start, plenty of fouls
The game was at times combatant. We could feel the animosity as the referee distributed two yellow cards in the first 15 minutes of the match. Despite the friendly aspect of the game, the referee issued 10 yellow cards : the referee issued ten yellow cards in total (four to Chile and six to Argentina); 50 fouls were committed. Lastly Argentina endured an injury with Lo Celso limping off the field.
The first half produced only a few chances on both sides with a shot on goal from Dybala at the half-hour mark saved by Chile’s goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and a try from Vargas for Chile.
The second half would be a little more entertaining with chances on both sides. Chile missed to convert their best chance of the match from Pinares at the 60th. Left wide opened in the box, the Chilean hit the crossbar.
Argentina also got a chance to break the deadlock at the 85th minute from corner. Martinez jumped higher than anyone else in the box and head the ball onto the crossbar. This was the best chance for the Celeste. The tie is logical as no goals team found the net in a disappointing match for fans in Los Angeles. Next matchup for Argentina will be very interesting as they travel to Texas to play Mexico while Chile will face Honduras.
