Everything starts in the fifth minute with an Argentinian goal signed by Messi, finally cancelled for offside. The warning is clear: the Albiceleste has taken control of entry operations. The scenario is confirmed in the 17th minute, when the Argentine captain takes advantage of a missed intervention by the Algerian goalkeeper, Luca Zidane, to open the score with a dry shot from the left. Algeria is slow to react: we have to wait for the 40th minute to see the first Algerian attempt, through Farès Chaïbi, the only player who tried to shake up the scenario at the end of the first period.
No shot on target for the Greens
In the second half, Messi is still decisive. Well served by Rodrigo De Paul, he doubled the time of play (60th) before ending his recital with a curling shot in the 76th minute, found by Nicolas González. Out under the ovation of the public in the 80th minute, he let his teammates manage quietly the end of the game against Les Verts unable to close the gap.
The figures from the game
Possession: about 52-53% for Argentina against 47-48% for Algeria
Algerian shooting: 7 attempts, no targeting
First Algerian shot: 40th minute only (Chaïbi)
Passes: accuracy rate close to both sides (~92%), but Argentina had more fluidity in the game (323 passes vs 249)
Decisive saves: Zidane, at fault for the first goal, made two saves that prevented a more difficult outcome.
The statistical observation is clear: seven shots without a single shot being framed is the indicator of a team that has never really worried the Argentine defense, despite possession close to parity.
Too much respect?
Algeria never really entered their match. The start was catastrophic: the cancelled goal did not serve as a warning, and Algeria conceded the opening of the score in the 17th minute on an individual error by its goalkeeper. A worrying offensive sterility followed: zero shots on target for seven attempts, first shot only in the 40th minute, for a team that has never built an honest opportunity despite the presence of recognized attacking players (Maza, Hadj Moussa, Chaïbi...) Possession, relatively balanced, has never been transformed into real danger, a sign of a lack of sharpness in the last gesture.
On the individual level, Luca Zidane still delivered two important saves despite his responsibility on the first goal, and Rayan Aït-Nouri was one of the few to display an enterprising baller.
Expected reaction against Jordan
This is a historic setback: it was the largest defeat ever conceded by an African team against Argentina in the World Cup finals, and Algeria’s most severe record since its 3-0 defeat against Spain in 1986. Argentina brings to 7 victories in 8 matches its record against teams from the CAF zone (1 draw).
And now? Algeria, with their backs to the wall, will play a large part of their qualification in their second group match against Jordan. For Vladimir Petković, the task is clear: to regain offensive verticality and correct defensive mistakes that have cost a lot in the first minutes.
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À propos de l'auteur
Philemon MBALE
Rédacteur sportif
Passionné de sport depuis toujours, partage avec vous les dernières actualités et analyses du monde sportif.