Argentina showed their dominance and quality as they thrashed the United Arab Emirates 5-0 in a friendly match in Abu Dhabi on November 22, 2023. The South American giants scored four goals in the first half and added one more in the second, with Ángel Di María scoring a brace and Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, and Joaquín Correa also finding the net. The match served as a warm-up for both teams ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina will face Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Sweden in Group C, while UAE will play against Brazil, Croatia, and Australia in Group F. Here are some key takeaways from the match:
Argentina’s Attack Was Lethal
Argentina’s attack was in full swing as they created numerous chances and scored five goals against a weak UAE defense. Di María was the star of the show, scoring two stunning goals and assisting Messi for the fourth. Messi also showed his class, scoring a sublime goal and setting up Álvarez for the opener. Álvarez and Correa were also impressive, scoring their first goals for the national team. Argentina’s attack was fluid, dynamic, and clinical, and they will hope to carry this form into the World Cup.
UAE’s Defense Was Shaky
UAE’s defense was exposed by Argentina’s attack, as they conceded five goals and failed to cope with the speed, movement, and skill of the visitors. UAE’s goalkeeper Khasif was helpless as he faced a barrage of shots, while the defenders were constantly outpaced and outplayed by the Argentine forwards. UAE’s defense was disorganized, passive, and error-prone, and they will need to improve drastically if they want to avoid humiliation at the World Cup.
Argentina’s Midfield Was Solid
Argentina’s midfield was solid and balanced, as they controlled the tempo and possession of the game. Rodrigo de Paul was the standout performer, as he orchestrated the play and delivered a perfect assist for Correa’s goal. Leandro Paredes and Guido Rodríguez were also effective, as they provided stability and protection for the defense. Argentina’s midfield was composed, creative, and confident, and they will be vital for the team’s success at the World Cup.
UAE’s Attack Was Ineffective
UAE’s attack was ineffective and isolated, as they barely threatened Argentina’s goal. UAE’s strikers Canedo and Al-Maazmi were starved of service and support, as they struggled to get past Argentina’s defense. UAE’s attack was timid, predictable, and harmless, and they will need to be more adventurous and aggressive at the World Cup.
Argentina’s Defense Was Untroubled
Argentina’s defense was untroubled and comfortable, as they kept a clean sheet and dealt with UAE’s attack easily. Emiliano Martínez was barely tested, as he made only one save in the entire game. Nicolás Otamendi and Lisandro Martínez were solid and composed, as they cleared any danger and played out from the back. Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuña were also reliable, as they provided width and support for the attack. Argentina’s defense was calm, organized, and confident, and they will aim to maintain this level at the World Cup.
UAE’s Midfield Was Overrun
UAE’s midfield was overrun and overwhelmed, as they lost the battle in the middle of the park. UAE’s midfielders Salmeen, Rashid, Hamad, and Ramadan were unable to match Argentina’s intensity and quality, as they were outplayed and outclassed by the visitors. UAE’s midfield was passive, sloppy, and ineffective, and they will need to be more assertive and disciplined at the World Cup.
Conclusion
Argentina proved their status as one of the favorites for the World Cup, as they demolished UAE 5-0 in a friendly match. Argentina’s attack was lethal, their midfield was solid, and their defense was untroubled, as they displayed a complete performance. UAE, on the other hand, showed their weaknesses, as their defense was shaky, their attack was ineffective, and their midfield was overrun, as they suffered a heavy defeat. Argentina will look to build on this result and momentum, while UAE will look to learn from this experience and improve, as they prepare for the World Cup.