World Cup qualifiers - Diaz scored Enzo and dyed red, ten players Argentina tied Colombia 1-1!

At 8:00 on June 11, the focus game of the 16th round of the 2026 World Cup South American Qualifiers kicked off at the Buenos Aires Monument Stadium. Argentina drew 1-1 with Colombia at home. Although Liverpool winger Luis Dias made his first record in his wonderful solo show, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez left the field, resulting in Argentina playing one less player, Almada's draw before the final game helped the world champion maintain his unbeaten golden body. After this game, Argentina continued to lead the standings with 35 points, while Colombia ranked third with 24 points, and the two teams worked together to consolidate their qualifications for the World Cup.

Dias replicated the classic one-stop. Argentina's defense was humiliated in the 24th minute of the game, Colombia launched a textbook-level quick counterattack. James Rodriguez made a precise long pass on the left after intercepting the ball in the midfield. Diaz felt like he was in a state of no one after receiving the ball. He first used the rhythm change to drift past Otamendi, then changed directions and broke through Montel and Romero's double-team, and finally calmly pushed the shot and scored in the far corner. This goal is not only Dias' seventh goal in this World Cup qualifier, but also replicates his amazing performance against Argentina in the 2021 Copa America semi-final, which is a perfect interpretation of his personal ability. Data shows that Diaz successfully passed five times in the game, 4 of which occurred during this goal. His explosive power and frequency of feet completely made the Argentine defense completely become a background board. After conceding a goal, Argentina tried to equalize the score through high pressure pressing. Messi frequently retreated in the midfield. Alvarez's long shot and Romero's header created threats one after another, but Colombian goalkeeper Camillo Vargas performed bravely and contributed 3 key saves in the first half to protect the city. It is worth noting that Argentina has an obvious lack of offensive efficiency when the ball possession rate is superior (61%), with only 2 shots on target, exposing the problem of low quality of crosses on the wing and lack of layering in the middle.

Enzo dyed red and changed the game trend. Ten players Argentine Jedi counterattacked

The storm suddenly changed in the second half, and the red card incident in the 70th minute completely turned the situation around. Enzo Fernandez raised his foot too high during the midfield competition, and his shoe nails hit Colombian player Kevin Castro's face, causing the latter to flow continuously. Referee Juan Benitez decisively showed a red card to send him off. This was the third time Argentina has dyed red since Scaloni took charge and the first time Enzo has been expelled in his national team's career. Slow motion shows that Enzo's actions were not intentional, but objectively caused dangerous consequences, and the FIFA Discipline Committee may add additional suspension. Argentina, who beat one less, did not give up. Scaloni decisively replaced Messi with Palacios, trying to maintain the offensive intensity through physical strength. This adjustment received a miraculous effect - In the 81st minute, Argentina launched a surprise attack through a fast sideline ball, and Almada shook continuously at the top of the right arc to get rid of the defense, and then shot with a low left foot straight into the dead corner to tie the score. This goal showed the depth of an Argentina substitute player. Almada was in Benfica this season, and this key goal further consolidated his position in the national team. In injury time, Colombia forward Rios headed the ball to the goal post, almost making a final victory, and the two sides finally shook hands 1-1.

Data refraction tactical game Argentina's resilience was praised

Judging from the full game data, Argentina has the advantage with a ball possession rate of 61%, but the number of shots (11-9) and shots (4-5) are slightly inferior, which reflects the efficiency of Colombia's defensive counterattack. Colombia completed 12 successful passes in the whole game, with a success rate of up to 67%, of which Dias contributed 5 times, and his breakthrough ability became the key to breaking the situation. After Argentina played one less player, it maintained the threat through intensive defense and rapid conversions. Almada's goal was due to the success of this tactical adjustment. After the game, Scarloni highly praised the team's performance: "When playing one less, we showed strong cohesion. Almada's goal was the result of teamwork, and Enzo's red card was the turning point of the game, but we did not lose confidence." He specifically mentioned Messi's self-sacrifice: "Messi took the initiative to ask for the end and injected fresh blood into the team, which reflects his leadership spirit." Argentine defender Romero also praised his opponent: "Colombia is a great contender. Their offense has made us suffer, but we have proved our resilience."

South American two heroes wrote a different legend

For Colombia, Dias's goals and performance in the whole game can be regarded as an MVP performance. The Liverpool winger broke out in the club and national team this season, not only helping Colombia consolidate its World Cup qualification, but also leading the South American scorer list with 7 goals. Captain Coolibali said after the game: "We came here with faith and courage. Dias's goal is a microcosm of the efforts of the whole team. Although he failed to score three points, we showed the spirit of Colombian football."

Argentina continued the unbeaten myth of Scaloni's era. Since the 2021 Copa America, Argentina has remained unbeaten in 38 official matches (29 wins and 9 draws), a stability that is rare in international football. Although Enzo's red card exposed the lack of experience of young players, the rise of new stars such as Almada has injected new vitality into the team. Although Messi did not score, he touched 82 times in the game and completed 6 key passes, which is still the core hub of the team's offense.

Conclusion: The victory of the football spirit

This game is not only a World Cup qualifier, but also a vivid portrayal of the football spirit. Colombia uses Dias' personal heroism to interpret the agility and passion of South American football, while Argentina shows the foundation of the world champion with the tenacity of ten players.. For Argentina, the draw does not damage their qualifying position, but the exposed defense loopholes and the decline in midfield control still need to be solved; while consolidating its qualifications, Colombia proves that it has the strength to challenge top teams.

As the World Cup approaches, this draw will become an important reference for the two teams to prepare for the game. Scaloni needs to maintain the core framework while accelerating the integration of young players; Colombia needs to further improve defensive stability under the leadership of Dias. This is the charm of football - no matter the outcome, every game is a growth, and every confrontation is a challenge to the limit. And we will continue to witness the wonderful blooms of the two South American heroes on the World Cup stage.