“It was impossible to play football” - Rodrigo De Paul explains why Argentina draw with Venezuela turned out to be ‘horrible’
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has spoken about the 'horrible' game his team faced against Venezuela in their FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Copa America champions played out a 1-1 draw in Maturin amid terrible weather conditions on Thursday, October 10.
La Albiceleste continued their quest to defend the FIFA World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022 with a visit to Venezuela. They sought to return to winning ways, having lost their last game 2-1 away to Colombia in September. The champions found the conditions to be far from optimal, with heavy rainfall causing a delayed kickoff on what was a water-logged pitch.
Rodrigo De Paul spoke with the media after the game, detailing that the conditions made it very difficult for his team to do what they intended to. The Atletico Madrid man said it was 'impossible' to play football on the surface and asked for better conditions for future games.
He said (via @GastonEdul on X):
“Horrible match. It was impossible to play football. We had to go for the second ball. It’s not great, but it’s what we had to deal with. The best conditions are having a good field, where the ball is moving well. We’re not asking for much.”
Argentina captain Lionel Messi had complained earlier, as well, about the unfavorable conditions, which prevented La Albiceleste from picking up all three points. His side remain on top of the pile with 19 points after nine rounds of games, while Venezuela are in seventh with 11 points.
De Paul featured for the entire game from midfield, recording a 78% pass completion rate and creating two chances for his side. He also carried out eight defensive actions in the encounter.
No victorious return for Messi as Venezuela hold Argentina to draw
Lionel Messi made his long-awaited return to action for Argentina as they played out a 1-1 draw against Venezuela. The 37-year-old had not featured for his country since injuring his ankle in the Copa America final in July.
Messi was included in the starting XI of a slightly changed Argentina side, who were without Emiliano Martinez and Lisandro Martinez. Experienced defender Nicolas Otamendi put the side ahead after 13 minutes of the scrappy game before Salomon Rondon equalized after 65 minutes.
Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates struggled for fluency and precision in the water-logged conditions in Venezuela. The Inter Miami star managed just two touches in the opposition box and took two shots in the whole of the game, missing one big chance.