The national team had fun in the last friendly before the World Cup, they defeated the United Arab Emirates and arrived on time for their debut

There were no fears, after all. This friendly was watched so much from the corner of the eye that it seemed inappropriate due to the risks it could entail just six days before the debut in the World Cup… Argentina national team he stayed out of worries and enjoyed Abu Dhabi like he was in the paddock. At one time he solved the match against the United Arab Emirates by Rodolfo Arruabarrena with a victory of great goals: 5-0.

Touches, collaborations, assists and dream definitions delighted the local crowd, who packed the stadium of the Al Jazeera club to see Lionel Messi and ended up singing for Argentina. Starring its captain, who played the whole game, Scaloneta he extended his unbeaten streak to 36 games and disembarks in Qatar to caramel point.

Away from the nerves and speculation due to some physical setbacks of some players, the result of a very tight calendar in this second part of the year, those led by Lionel Scaloni They took to the field relaxed and played loose against an opponent who didn’t make a dent, aside from the occasional run from Harib Suhail past John Foythshot on the crossbar and formidable save by Emiliano Martinez Ali Saleh (after another mistake by a very slow Foyth) already in the second half.

With most regular titles, the national team took this test seriously before the big event and demonstrated its entire repertoire, as if it were a duel by knockout or the America’s Cup or the World Cup… Messi was the spearhead of a 4-3-3 which had intractable Angel Di María as a right winger. Fideo was eliminated with a brace, with one goal better than the other.

There was good news on the pleasant Persian Gulf night. The heat gave way and a breeze of relief appeared as the sun went down to create ideal weather for the ball to roll. It was a test for the team, the last one. But it was also a testing ground for some punctual players. Such was the case with Giuliano Alvarezwho took advantage of this opportunity to be from the start and continued with the same tune he has at Manchester City.

The Spider stung first. Di María started in the middle of the pitch playing a fast ball for Messi and dismantling the entire Emirati defence. On the 10th he assisted Alvarez in the small area. It was also the turn to play for Alexis MacAllisterwhich is proposed to be the replacement for John LoCelso against Saudi Arabia. Brighton’s approved.

Fideo, always on the right, is still in a state of grace with his country’s shirt, which last night was the alternative design, purple. Rosario’s man scored a spectacular cross volley after an exact change in front Marco Acuna, another who had to demonstrate how he was physically (he drags a pain in the groin). The Egg yielded without problems.

Di María’s double was also for a goal: he entered the area, got rid of a player, dribbled past the goalkeeper and almost defined in front of goal.

That of the leader was missing. Leo received from Di María, opened up on the right and instead of hooking up with his more capable leg, he surprised with a right footed shot into the corner, which goalkeeper Khalid Eisa couldn’t reach. He already has 91 with the AFA shield on his chest and counting.

In less than 45 minutes, the national team put on a show of football and goals. He distributed happiness without taking too many precautions. It was enough to see him go to block Rodrigo de Paul or Leandro Paredes, who had a blow to the foot (nothing serious). Nothing has been saved.

Foyth was left in debt. That of Villarreal is the ninth defender from the list of 26 and had a chance to be seen, but was noticed with little mobility. It is logical considering that he has been unemployed for two months due to injury and has only returned to play in the last 10 days.

Scaloni dutifully arrives at the interval to refresh his legs: inside Molina, Montiel and Pezzella to try something else. What? A system with five defenders which they are already trying in practice. Argentina has bet on this commitment, which has also left a millionaire financial cut to the AFA. The fifth and final goal was scored by Joaquín Correa, following an assist from a tireless De Paul.

With no worries, with ease and with smiles, Argentina leaves Abu Dhabi with an unbeatable feeling. Let the World Cup come.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Special delivery.