Messi-Less Argentina Hit Ecuador For Six
14 October, 2019
Argentina, who were without a number of big names, were in a rampant mood after thrashing Ecuador 6-1 on Sunday afternoon.
La Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni rang the changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Germany in midweek, with the likes of Paulo Dybala, Angel Correa and Marcos Rojo being rested. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria were not part of the squad.
The sides started brightly but it was Argentina that drew first blood in the 20th minute as Lucas Alario powered home a header from Marcos Acuna's corner.
Ecuador were opening up at the back after that in their pursuit to come back to the game but they were unfortunate in the 27th minute as Jhon Espinoza diverted Acuna's cross into his own net, to give La Albiceleste a two-goal cushion.
Scaloni's charges were awarded a penalty four minutes later after Lautaro Martinez was brought down inside the box, which allowed Leandro Paredes to extend the lead for Albiceleste with a calm finish from 12-yards.
Ecuador started the second stanza on the front foot and they pulled a goal back four minutes into the second stanza courtesy of a brilliant free-kick from Angel Mena that looped over the wall and sailed into the far post.
However, German Pezzella restored the three-goal advantage for Argentina in the 66th minute after heading home Dybala's free-kick at the back post.
Nicolas Dominguez got their fifth goal with eight minutes remaining after drilling a low shot towards the bottom corner from a free-kick situation, before Lucas Ocampos rounded off the scoring with an effort from distance as Scaloni's wrapped up a thumping win.