On Tuesday night, Argentina’s national side stepped onto the pitch in Santiago to begin the second half of their World Cup qualifying campaign, away to Chile, who they’d beaten 4-1 just over a year ago in Buenos Aires at the start of qualifying. Chile came out of the blocks quicker, but two strikes close together, from Lionel Messi (of course) and Gonzalo Higuaín gave Argentina a 2-0 lead at half time. During the second half Chile dominated, but could only manage a stoppage time consolation as Argentina’s defence stood firm. You can see the goals right here.
World Cup qualifying, Tuesday 16th October 2012
Chile 1 – 2 Argentina
Everyone has now played nine matches, apart from Colombia who’ve got a game in hand, having sat out Tuesday’s round of games. Argentina lead the CONMEBOL table with 20 points; Ecuador, who drew 1-1 away to Venezuela, have 17; Colombia have 16; Venezuela 12, along with Uruguay (who were tonked 4-1 away to Bolivia) and Chile; Bolivia have 8, as do Peru after their 1-0 loss away to Paraguay. In spite of that win, Paraguay are still propping up the table with 7 points.
You can follow the latest news from the selección and Argentina’s foreign legion of players, as well as the domestic championship and the ever entertaining/tragic/infuriating capers of Julio Grondona & chums direct from Buenos Aires with HEGS on Twitter. If you’ve not signed up yet you can do so here. You can also join the official HEGS Facebook group, to keep up to date with the latest posts on the blog and discuss things with other fans. You’ll find it here. And remember to bookmark Hand Of Pod, our Argentine football podcast, or if you prefer you can subscribe to it on iTunes here.
Hasta El Gol Siempre 