Otamendi's superb goal sealed Argentina's victory in Brazil

Nicolás Otamendi was one of the best players on the pitch in Argentina's sixth match of the South American qualifying zone for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the Maracanã Stadium in Brazil, the Benfica captain was absolutely decisive in the victory for the Albiceleste, scoring the only goal of the match (0-1).

On Tuesday night (early Wednesday morning, November 22, in mainland Portugal), Otamendi, one of the pillars of the world champions, was thrown into the starting eleven and put in an impressive performance.

In addition to the goal, scored in the 63rd minute with a powerful header following a corner kick, the center-back won all the aerial duels he contested (four), made two tackles, three clerances and one interception and had a 90 percent pass accuracy. The statistics are from the Sofascore platform.

🏆 #Eliminatorias

🎥 ¡Qué golazo, Ota! 🫡pic.twitter.com/4T1JZwUkw5

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) November 22, 2023

Also in Lionel Scaloni's squad for the Argentina game is the Benfica player, Ángel Di María came on in the 78th minute, replacing Messi, and helped his national team secure three important points in this match in Brazil, whose kick-off was delayed a few minutes due to security concerns in the stands.