Colombia 2-2 Argentina: 5 Talking points as Lionel Messi's Argentina settle for a draw despite two early goals | FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2022

Colombia v Argentina - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier
Colombia v Argentina - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier

#3 Two games, two stalemates for Argentina

Colombia v Argentina - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier
Colombia v Argentina - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier

Argentina have played back-to-back draws in their FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month and in both games, they have not been up to the mark.

In the first game against Chile, they could only score once and that too was a penalty. In the game against Colombia, Argentina scored twice within eight minutes but managed to create only half-chances after that.

They could not deliver the final blow that would've put the game to bed and, despite an early onslaught, were mostly the second-best side in the game. While they are still second in the qualifier standings with this draw, their form ahead of Copa America does not bode well.


#2 Colombia's attacking lineup make them a force to reckoned with at Copa America

Colombia v Argentina - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier
Colombia v Argentina - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier

Colombia's second-half comeback against Argentina was a display of their attacking might. They moved the ball around in the final third with precision. They also had a better pass conversion ratio than La Albiceleste.

With their attackers playing at the highest level of European football, they have a lot of talent in their lineup. Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel scored 15 goals and 22 goals respectively for Atalanta this season and also had nine assists to their name.

Juan Cuadrado, who provided the assist for the 94th-minute equalizer, had been one of the best crossers in Europe this season and picked up nine assists for Juventus.

This combination of quick and skilful attack-minded players make Colombia a tricky opponent to go up against.


#1 Argentina troubled by yet another inspiring performance from an opposition goalkeeper

Colombia v Argentina - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier
Colombia v Argentina - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier

For the second game in a row, Argentina faced a team with a great goalkeeper. While David Ospina could do nothing to stop the visiting side from getting an early two-goal lead, his reflexes and saves after that were top-notch.

He made as many as six saves in the game and all of them were crucial. He also denied Messi twice in the second half, first from a direct free-kick and later in the 85th minute from close range.

He deserves due credit for his performances between the sticks. Had he slipped up, it would've been difficult for the hosts to come back from behind.


Also See: 10 best goalkeepers in the world this season (2020-21)

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