The Atletico Madrid forward scored the only goal of the game as Lionel Scaloni's side earned another three points
A brilliant first-half goal from Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez was enough to see Argentina defeat Chile on the road 1-0 in World Cup qualifying on Thursday evening.
La Albiceleste enjoyed a commanding first half, and though the hosts were rampant in the closing stages of the match, nearly securing an equalising goal on multiple occasions, Lionel Scaloni's side held out to confirm that they will finish top of the CONMEBOL table with three matches to spare.
The winner from Alvarez arrived 16 minutes into the game after Thiago Almada made a blistering run into the final third of the pitch before feeding the striker on the counter, who lifted a cheeky shot over the goalkeeper and into the net. Lionel Messi came off the bench in the 57th minute of the match to help secure the result, though he had very little impact on the contest itself.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, though made two crucial saves in the second half, as the Aston Villa shot-stopper proved to be reliable on the international stage once again.
GOAL rates Argentina's players from Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago…
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Emiliano Martinez (6/10):
Great save at the 60th-minute mark, but was rarely tested otherwise. Came up big when called upon.
Nahuel Molina (6/10):
Quiet evening for the veteran, but he was composed defensively when tested.
Cristian Romero (7/10):
Really, really solid performance from the Tottenham star. Rock-solid defensively, he also offered a physical presence in aerial duels, while being a threat on set-pieces, too.
Leonardo Balerdi (7/10):
Good showing from the 26-year-old. He offered excellent passing out of the back, while linking up beautifully with those surrounding him.
Nicolas Tagliafico (7/10):
So tidy on the ball, and always calm under pressure. He wasn't electric going forward, but he was reliable defensively.
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Rodrigo De Paul (7/10):
A workhorse in the middle of the park. As reliable as ever, he was aggressive and assertive.
Exequiel Palacios (6/10):
Pretty solid, but didn't offer a ton going forward. Excellent passer all night, he did what was asked of him – just never stood out.
Nico Paz (5/10):
Tough night for the Como youngster. He was replaced early in the second half after never really finding his groove.
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Thiago Almada (8/10):
Stupendous on the wing. Wreaked havoc all night, played a dime of a pass for the opener, and looked exactly like he belonged.
Julian Alvarez (8/10):
Menace in the final third. Navigated his position superbly and netted an exquisite finish on Argentina's opener.
Giuliano Simeone (6/10):
Missed an absolute sitter late in the match to put it to bed, and was promptly substituted. He had a decent performance overall, but just never looked like the complete part.
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Lionel Messi (6/10):
Never really found his footing, but had a few bright moments. His most important contribution was the calmness he brought to the game.
Facundo Medina (N/A):
Brought on late to close out the game.
Angel Correa (N/A):
Subbed on late to try and get a dagger, but never got going.
Juan Foyth (N/A):
Brought on in the closing stages to secure the result.
Franco Mastantuono (N/A):
On for his senior international debut in the closing stages.
Lionel Scaloni (6/10):
He handed an opportunity to two youngsters in the attack, and Almada took it and ran with it. The gamble paid off, even though it wasn't an exemplary attacking performance. It was evident they were missing Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, but they got the job done.
