Two Goals First, Argentina Held To A Draw With Colombia 2-2

JAKARTA - Argentina was forced to draw 2-2 with Colombia in the South American zone 2022 World Cup qualifying match at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez, Colombia, Wednesday.

Quoting Antara, the visitors took the lead when the game had only been running for three minutes. Starting from Rodrigo De Paul's free-kick from the right, Cristian Romero grabbed the ball with a header that couldn't be stopped by Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina. The score became 1-0.

Five minutes later, Argentina doubled the score thanks to a Leandro Paredes goal that came from a wild ball in front of the Colombian penalty box. Nicolas Gonzalez and Leandro Paredes worked together well before Paredes fired a shot that Ospina couldn't catch. Albiceleste was winning 2-0.

Argentina came close to adding to their lead in the 27th minute when Lautaro Martinez's shot was parried by Ospina. The vomit ball struck by Marcos Acuna was also wide of the host's goal.

Colombia fought back after halftime and was awarded a penalty in the 51st minute after the referee pointed to the spot for Nicolas Otamendi elbowing Mateus Uribe.

Luis Muriel, who came forward as an executor, did his job well. A week outwit goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin so the position changed 1-2.

In the 58th minute, Messi should have restored Argentina's two-goal lead, but his free-kick into the left corner was saved beautifully by Ospina.

Colombia failed to equalize in the 71st minute when Muriel, free of the mark and only one-on-one with Marchesin, fired home wide.

Ospina again denied Argentina in the 77th minute when he blocked Lautaro's close-range effort. In the 84th minute, Ospina again brilliantly dismissed Messi's close-range volley.

Argentina's desire to secure all three points vanished in stoppage time after Colombia equalized.

Miguel Borja's header after receiving Juan Cuadrado's cross was denied by Marchesin as the ball continued to roll into the net. Colombia forced the game to end 2-2.

Argentina also failed to close the distance with Brazil at the top of the standings. Lionel Scaloni's squad has 12 points and is three behind Brazil, who are still playing against Paraguay, while Colombia is fifth with eight points.