The starting lineup of Argentina

The starting lineup of Ecuador

0′ PM
The first half begins!!! Ecuador kicks off.

3′
Dangerous. Molina delivered a cross from the right for Martinez, but the away team’s defender intercepted the ball in time. Argentina launched an attack right from the early minutes.

8′
Argentina is still in complete control, pushing Ecuador deep into their defensive half.

12′
Chance. Messi delivered a free-kick from outside the penalty area, but Martinez couldn’t get a touch on the ball.

16′
No goal. Argentina displayed excellent coordination before Messi’s long-range shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball hit the Ecuadorian crossbar.

22′
Argentina is facing difficulties with Ecuador’s tough, high-pressing, and physical style of play.

26′
Chance. Valencia took a right-footed shot inside the penalty area, but the ball went too lightly.

32′
Argentina has yet to create any truly dangerous situations following Messi’s shot that hit the crossbar. Ecuador is displaying their characteristic disruptive style of play.

37′
Gruezo jumped high for a header inside Argentina’s penalty area, but the ball went off target.

43′
Argentina now seems to be passing the ball around in midfield without being able to break through Ecuador’s solid defense. Messi has been tightly marked and hasn’t had many opportunities.

45’+3
First half ends!!!

45’+2
No goal. Martinez rushed in for a shot, hitting the Ecuadorian crossbar after a well-placed pass from De Paul.

Both teams leave the field for a 10-minute break.

46′
The second half begins!!! No substitutions for either team.

50′
Chance. Fernandez took a long-range shot, but the ball went too high. Argentina is starting the second half with an increased pace.

58′
No goal. Tagliafico charges forward and takes a powerful long-range shot, but the ball goes slightly over the Ecuadorian goal.

62′
Argentina makes a substitution. Di Maria replaces Gonzalez.

67′
Valencia turns and shoots the ball inside the penalty area, but Martinez easily gathers it.

69′
No goal. Messi dribbles through a crowd of yellow jerseys but his left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area lacks the required danger.

75′
Dangerous. Messi delivers a dangerous cross from the right, forcing the Ecuadorian goalkeeper to punch the ball away.

76′
Argentina makes a substitution. Alvarez replaces Martinez.

78′
GOAL!!! From about 22 meters with a free-kick, Messi paints a perfect curve that leaves the Ecuadorian goalkeeper only watching as the ball goes into the net.

84′
No goal. Di Maria takes a diagonal shot that hits the crossbar inside the penalty area. It was very close to making it 2-0 for Argentina.

89′
Argentina makes a substitution. Messi makes way for Palacios.

90’+2
No goal. De Paul takes a narrow-angled shot inside the penalty area, but he can’t beat the Ecuadorian goalkeeper.

90’+4
Full time!!!

Argentina wins 1-0.