Argentina - Chile 2 - 0 (15 Oct 2007 13:02 GMT)
Argentina started very strongly, but despite their talent up front couldn't break through a strong Chilean defense early on in the match.
But in the 27th minute Argentina went ahead with a sensationally struck free-kick from playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme. Riquelme, who hasn't played at all for Villarreal in La Liga this season, proved that he still is one of the best players in the world.
Argentina looked more calm after Riquelme's goal, and began to get together their trademark swift passing as they moved forward from the midfield, with the likes of Maxi Rodriguez and Esteban Cambiasso.
In the 45th minute the Argentines were awarded another free-kick, from what also seemed to be a very long distance. Despite this Riquelme stepped up to the ball and curled in another superb effort, that once again left Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo stranded on his line.
Chile manager Marcelo Bielsa, who coached Argentina between 1998-2004, pushed his side forward in an attempt to pull a goal back during the half, but they never looked like breaking through a very disciplined Argentine defense, despite the efforts from Eduardo Rubio and Humberto Suazo.
After the break the Argentines completely dominated their opponents, and created a number of good opportunities to extend their lead, with the explosive runs from Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, who was a constant threat both down the flanks and through the middle of the field.
Former River Plate defender Cristian Alvarez reduced Chile to ten men in the 55th minute, and from that instance it seemed to be game over, as the Argentines completely controlled their opponents in all sectors.
Chile had no answer what-so-ever, even though Bielsa's side looked a touch more dangerous after Marcelo Salas was brought on for Rubio at the beginning of the second half.
Argentina could have extended their lead moments later, with an exciting individual effort from Carlos Tevez, which finally flew over the Chile crossbar.
Alfio Basile introduced Spanish based attackers Sergio Aguero and Javier Saviola late on in the match, and both looked very lively, as the Argentines went looking for their third goal of the night.
In the end Argentina settled for a comfortable and well deserved 2-0 victory, that confirms that they will be one of the favourites to win the South American group of World Cup qualifying.
Team Line-ups
Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Milito, Gabriel Heinze, Maximiliano Rodriguez(Fernando Gago 67'), Javier Mascherano, Esteban Cambiasso, Juan Roman Riquelme, Lionel Messi (Javier Saviola 83') and Carlos Tevez (Sergio Aguero 73'). Manager: Alfio Basile.
Chile: Claudio Bravo, Waldo Ponce, Cristian Alvarez, Miguel Riffo, Gonzalo Fierro (Hugo Droguett 36'), Manuel Iturra (Claudio Maldonado 52'), Arturo Vidal, Matias Fernandez, Mark Gonzalez, Humberto Suazo and Eduardo Rubio (Marcelo Salas 46'). Manager: Marcelo Bielsa.
Goals: Juan Roman Riquelme 27' and 45'
Red Card: Cristian Alvarez 53'
Venue: Estadio Monumental de Nunez, Buenos Aires. Att: 65,000.
source : Goal.com