2018 World Cup Qualifiers: The Harsh Realms of South American Football

(Baonghean.vn) - Few would have imagined that, before the end of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, the reigning South American champions Chile, who finished third with 26 points, would be eliminated. They were replaced by...Argentina, with Lionel Messi's hat-trick against Ecuador.

Coach Jorge Sampaoli was right when he said: "The biggest problem for the Argentinian players lies in their mentality, not their technical skills." If they remain calm and true to themselves, the tango dancers will shine, and they have done just that, squeezing through the narrow gap to qualify for the World Cup in Russia next summer.

Meanwhile, Chile – the Copa America champions – failed to earn even a single point before leaving Brazil, and will have to watch the 2018 World Cup on the small screen. South American football is unforgiving, isn't it?

SaintLionel Messi

Before the crucial match against Ecuador, a must-win game to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, all expectations and pressure rested on Lionel Messi - the best player in the world. Argentina pushed forward aggressively from the opening whistle, but Messi and his teammates were quickly dealt a blow when the home team Ecuador scored the opening goal in their very first attack.

In the first minute, following an attack down the midfield, Romario Ibarra combined with Roberto Ordones before breaking free and unleashing a diagonal shot past goalkeeper Romero, opening the scoring.

With Lionel Messi's hat-trick against Ecuador, Argentina secured their ticket to the 2018 World Cup. Photo: Internet

But Argentinians are proud to have "Saint Messi," and indeed he did not disappoint the fans, scoring three goals to help Argentina defeat Ecuador 3-1. In the 12th minute, Messi opened the scoring with an easy finish from a pass by Di Maria. Eight minutes later, he shone again with an unstoppable shot.

In the 62nd minute, Messi dribbled past the Ecuador defense and finished with a delicate shot to complete his hat-trick. That was also21st goalMessi's performance in the qualifying round and becomingthe first player in historyApproaching the 20-goal mark in the South American World Cup qualifiers.

Only by witnessing this breathtaking match can one truly understand that only Lionel Messi, with his innate talent, could perform such a miracle. It's true that Argentina isn't a top team anymore, but the 2018 World Cup would have been far less exciting without "Saint Messi."

Sanchez was heartbroken.

Unfortunately for Sanchez and the Chilean team, their final match was against host nation Brazil, who had already secured their qualification for Russia and boasted a star-studded squad. All their defensive efforts to salvage a point only allowed Chile to hold out for one half. Once Brazil took control of the game and increased the tempo, the visiting team's defense was overwhelmed.

In the 55th minute, a free kick from defender Dani Alves caused goalkeeper Bravo to fumble the ball, creating an opportunity for Paulinho to pounce on the rebound and open the scoring for Brazil. Two minutes later, Gabriel Jesus easily extended the lead to 2-0 for the home team with a close-range tap-in after a cross from Coutinho.

Trailing by two goals in quick succession, and knowing the result was unfavorable compared to other teams playing at the same time, the Chilean team was backed into a corner with nothing left to lose. The Copa America champions pushed forward in attack in the remaining minutes, hoping to find a goal to keep their hopes of securing a ticket to Russia alive.

However, the home team's tight and well-organized play prevented Chile from scoring against Brazil, and they even conceded a third goal scored by Jesus in the 90+3 minute, sealing a 3-0 victory for the Sampa team.

Sanchez and his teammates left the pitch dejectedly after a match where a draw would have at least secured them a playoff spot. The Copa America champions will be missing out on the World Cup in Russia next summer, a truly regrettable outcome.

The curtain falls.

With hosts Paraguay losing 0-1 to bottom-placed Venezuela, hosts Uruguay winning convincingly 4-2 against Bolivia, and Peru drawing 1-1 with visitors Colombia, the South American region has now determined its four official representatives: Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Colombia.

Meanwhile, fifth-placed Peru will play a playoff match against New Zealand to compete for a spot in the 2018 World Cup finals. The first leg will take place in New Zealand on November 6th, and the second leg on November 14th.

AT