Argentina Manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino apologised to the fans on behalf of his team who were held to a dour 0-0 draw against Paraguay in Asuncion’s Estadio de los Defensores del Chaco.
After a shocking 2-0 loss against Ecuador in Buenos Aires last Thursday, the Argentines were looking to bounce back against the Paraguayans in the second round of CONMEBOL’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
However without Messi and Aguero, the Argentines struggled in front of goal and were only able to muster a point against a determined Paraguay side.
Martino not satisfied with a point .
Speaking to the media after the match, La Albiceleste manager Tata Martino revealed his dissatisfaction after his side played out a dull 0-0 draw against Paraguay.
“We came to try to recover the points we missed out on in the first game,” Martino said (via ESPNFC).
“We’re sorry we couldn’t get the three points which we came for. I’m not satisfied with a point.
“I liked what we did in the first half, when we moved the ball around well, but not the second half when we didn’t flow.
“The bad thing about this moment is the amount of points we have, mainly the defeat to Ecuador.”
Asked about the injured status of Lionel Messi, Martino replied, “My [last] communication with Leo was a fortnight ago.”
“His progress is within the normal range but I can’t make a prediction about his presence in the next squad,” he added.
Argentina Toothless in front of Goal without Messi and Aguero
Two unsatisfactory results against Ecuador and Paraguay have already put pressure on Tata Martino in his quest to guide Argentina to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
With Angel Di Maria, Carlos Tevez, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore in their ranks, Argentina boast of an embarrassment of riches in attack. However, without the creative genius of Lionel Messi and the deadly finishing of Sergio Aguero, the World Cup finalists have struggled up front and have failed to score a single goal in the opening two rounds of qualifying matches in South America.
FT Paraguay 0-0 Argentina No goals in Asuncion leaving Argentina yet to record a win #WCQ http://t.co/7ipu8XSBah pic.twitter.com/4CD8fECkSE
a FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 14, 2015
Argentinaa s inspirational captain Lionel Messi, who injured his knee ligaments playing for Barcelona a fortnight ago, is expected to stay out of action for another 5-6 weeks. Fellow forward Sergio Aguero, who got substituted mid-way through the first half against Ecuador after suffering a hamstring injury, is expected to be out for a month.
Martino will be hoping to have the attacking duo back before his Argentine side face sterner tests in Brazil and Colombia next month.