Damn Vinnie ... that's a shit finish. Scum Otamendi trying to get a reaction out of him by bumping him. They are trying to get him off.
We've evened up the game and have the edge now after that shaky start. But we are not using the right side at all.
One thing this Brazil team has is a number of talented AND very fast players. Tite has surprised me by being less traditional and conservative than I'm accustomed to seeing him, and that he's being a bit more unorthodox in a WCQ match at Argentina only highlights this maverick approach. That one chance Vinicius Junior had was proof of how speed may determine the fate of this match.
Otamendi being Otamendi... Bilardismo. And these South Americans have the gall to call us “cheaters.” Essa, meus amigos, é a sujeira do futebol argentino.
We lost control of the game in the final 10 mins or so. Need to recompose in the 2nd half. One thing is for sure, this is not your soul-less Argentina of the past decade. They have grit now. Ottamendi should have been red carded. Absolute disgrace.
This game is definitely a real test. Solid chances Vini should have put away, reffing not in our favor, so we need to keep our cool (good thing Neymar's not on the field...) and let's see what our adjustments look like. Matheus Cunha is earning his call-ups and maybe the starting spot. Paquetá will miss the next game due to his yellow.
You're right - Brazil evened the game, had a few good chances, but the local team's players tried to destabilize us with unnecessary and very cheap fouls. That clown Otamendi probably has trauma from losing 1-3 to us in 2009 in Rosario and is doing his MMA antics to ensure he doesn't lose again. Let's see what Tite does in the second half. I'm overall pleased with the team - the defense was challenged a few times but it stood firm.
On the play where Raphina got elbowed, he should have centered the ball after he beat Acuna. Tried to do too much.
Scrappy start to the 2nd half from both teams. We don't look in trouble but would rather have the ball on their half. Or connect on some counters.
It's been a rather poor game. More committing violence than playing soccer, especially from the dirty Argentines.
So far, Argentina has 3 yellow cards and Brazil 1; but, 2 of their 3 yellow carded players are on the bench.