Argentina have a distinct edge against Bolivia in their match, due to their continued motivation following their World Cup victory last December.
Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Tagliafico and Nico Gonzalez scored three times to propel Albiceleste to a 3-0 win at Stadium Hernando Siles on Wednesday evening despite Lionel Messi not participating. Angel Di Maria took over leadership duties instead of Lautaro Martinez and Papu Gomez for this fixture.
Guillermo Viscarra
Argentina have been passing around their own half as Bolivia sit back. Enzo Fernandez attempts to shoot but Viscarra saves it well.
Alvarez danced around two defenders before shooting low; Viscarra made the save. Gabriel Villamil received a yellow card for colliding into De Paul in another challenge which could have cost Argentine fans dearly; when De Paul went down it dropped the tempo considerably as Carmelo Algaranaz took his place as replacement player.
Diego Bejarano
Argentina are easily passing their way past Bolivia’s defence while their hosts struggle to make any impactful moves within their own half. So far it’s looking very comfortable for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
Arrascaita takes the first shot, but his effort goes wide. Di Maria then comes close but his header is blocked by a defensive player.
Estadio Hernando Siles is starting to fill up, serving as home for Club Bolivar, La Paz FC and The Strongest. Expect an electric atmosphere!
Roberto Fernandez
Argentina made short work of Bolivia’s disinterested performance at altitude. Enzo Fernandez sent Romero flying with a powerful tackle before Tagliafico nodded home a Di Maria cross to give the visitors a comfortable lead by halftime.
Rodrigo de Paul attempts a shot on frame, but Viscarra gets down low to block it out. Carlos Alagaranaz had fouled both Leandro Paredes and Julian Alvarez. Referee Carlos Alagaranaz appeared unsure how best to call this game after their foul.
Adrian Jusino
As Estadio Hernando Siles fills to capacity, all eyes of football turn toward a riveting clash of South American teams – Bolivia being among them and no stranger to contention – who’ll square off against familiar foes like Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay – although they might rank below.
Marcelo Martins Moreno’s retirement has created an unfortunate void that’s hard to fill; Carmelo Algaranaz (classic No 9) and Bruno Miranda (nippy midfielder) are likely candidates; both boast four international goals between them.
Jairo Quinteros
Estadio Hernando Siles is filling up nicely and empty seats are becoming less numerous as more teams play there, including Club Bolivar, La Paz FC and an impressive newcomer called The Strongest.
Alvarez and Di Maria exchange flicks that leave Bolivia’s defence reeling before City striker David Villa unleashes a low shot that Otamendi saves well – drawing cheers from the crowd – which leads to him saving it – before finally unleashing another low shot that Otamendi comfortably saves – giving Argentina an easy win; although fans may wonder why Messi wasn’t on the pitch.
Jose Sagredo
Lionel Messi will start for Argentina despite an earlier hamstring concern, while Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez could return as starters as well.
Bolivia’s roster includes players from clubs like Bolivar and Ponte Preta. Journeyman coach Carlos Zago is hoping that this time around his side can achieve better than in previous attempts – two group stage exits being experienced already this Copa America tournament.
Victor Abrego
Argentina are in control as they move the ball around Bolivia’s defensive third with ease. There were groans from the crowd as Dibu Martinez took an unusually long time over his goal kick – this wasn’t typical behavior from him!
Argentina have an enormous experience advantage over their hosts, having won seven of their eight previous meetings against them. But Lionel Messi will miss this matchup due to being rested. Rodrygo Goes and Richarlison will join him on the bench. For their part, Argentina are gearing up for their inaugural match under interim manager Fernando Diniz.
Jaime Arrascaita
Estadio Hernando Siles is quickly filling up ahead of kickoff. There’s an exciting atmosphere among fans as Argentina prepare to face Costa Rica without Messi.
Rodrigo de Paul is penalised for making contact with Di Maria’s pass but failed to reach it and forced the corner kick.
Luciano Ursino
Lionel Scaloni opts for a similar lineup to that employed against Ecuador in their inaugural match, though Lionel Messi may not start immediately in their front three.
Christian Pulisic will lead the United States’ squad on Tuesday against Bolivia. He’ll be supported by Tim Weah and Folarin Balogun; both players were injured recently. Unfortunately for the US they will be without Jairo Quinteros and Moises Paniagua who both went down with injuries, as they attempt to avoid another 2-0 loss like against Peru or let Lautaro Martinez score three goals against Bolivia – something which would result in another loss!
Gabriel Villamil
Bolivia looks to make up ground on Brazil after their previous match was defeated, taking on Argentina with Lionel Messi leading and Lionel Scaloni coaching them as their Albiceleste squad.
Argentina players are struggling with the extreme altitude in La Paz. Gabriel Villamil was booked for a late challenge on Alexis Mac Allister that appears to have caused injury, with Gabriel being taken back down into the tunnel afterwards and being seen down with treatment from medics. Additionally, Hector Cuellar received his first yellow card of the game for fouling Enzo Fernandez – it marks his first caution of this matchup.
