Argentina had a lackluster night against Ecuador in the final round of the South American Qualifiers. The national team was never able to make a difference, and La Tri managed to make the most of its physical advantage and its rival's defensive shortcomings, winning quite convincingly by 1-0.
The home team started the match with possession and several clear chances, including a shot by Angulo that Dibu saved at the near post and a goal disallowed for a clear offside by Enner Valencia.
That dominance by La Tri in the first half hour led to a dangerous attack that began with a long pass from Moisés Caicedo, and was received by Valencia, who got behind Balerdi and forced Otamendi to challenge him as the last man, resulting in his sending off in his last Qualifiers match with the national team.
The red card for the Benfica defender forced Lionel Scaloni to make an emergency substitution to reinforce the defense (Juan Foyth for Giulano Simeone), although it did not stop the home team's attacks, as they took advantage of the numerical superiority.
