Colombia Secures Draw Against 10-Man Argentina in Intense World Cup Qualifier

Colombia’s quest for their first competitive win away in Argentina since 1993 was thwarted by a late equaliser from La Albiceleste in a 1-1 draw during FIFA World Cup (WC) qualifying.

With top spot in South American WC qualifying already secured and three matches left to play, Lionel Scaloni’s side had little riding on this encounter, although they received enthusiastic backing from their supporters at the Estadio Monumental.

On the other hand, Colombia, still striving to secure their place at next summer’s tournament, recognised that a victory would significantly enhance their chances of qualification, despite going into the match with a disheartening string of five games without a win.

Lionel Messi made his first start for La Albiceleste since November of the previous year and nearly celebrated the occasion with an early goal within five minutes after being set up by Enzo Fernández, his shot narrowly missing the target.

Julian Alvarez nearly found the net midway through the first half, only to be denied by an exceptional save from Kevin Mier. However, it was Colombia who struck first, taking the lead in the 24th minute with a magnificent individual effort from Luis Diaz. Receiving the ball just over the halfway line, the Liverpool winger drove forward, eluding four defenders before calmly finishing past Emiliano Martinez.

Fernandez nearly equalised for the hosts soon after, but his goal was disallowed for offside, allowing the visitors to maintain their 1-0 lead at half-time.

Scaloni wasted no time making adjustments, introducing Nico González and Giuliano Simeone, who was making only his fifth appearance. Nevertheless, Colombia continued to assert themselves in the early stages of the second half, with Díaz making another impressive run into the box, only to be met with a solid block.

Richard Rios then had a chance to extend the visitors’ advantage around the hour mark, firing a powerful shot from the edge of the area, but Martínez reacted swiftly to deny him, quickly recovering to cover the rebound.

Not long after, Nico struck a fierce shot from a tight angle, and when the ball returned to him, he found Enzo in the box, but the Chelsea midfielder somehow sent his effort over the bar from close range.

Matters took a turn for the worse for him when he received a straight red card for a high boot to Kevin Castano’s head, leading to tensions flaring between the two teams. Despite the chaos, Argentina salvaged a point late in the game when Thiago Almada charged into the box and drilled his effort into the bottom corner.

What seemed like a certain victory for Colombia has now left them awaiting the next international break to secure their place, while Argentina’s late equaliser extends their unbeaten run to six matches (W5, D1) as they continue their preparations to defend their WC title.