Argentina, on their tour of NCAA college football’s greatest settings, took on Iceland for their second and final preparatory match ahead of the World Cup, at Auburn University. And though the second half belonged to Lionel Messi, the first half belonged to (soon-to-be) our very own Valentín Barco, who scored one and set up another … or would’ve set up another had Nico Paz not spurned the golden opportunity late in the first half.
Still, the defending champions had no trouble in notching a 3-0 win
to head into the tournament on a high. They’re probably my pick to win it all again, even if they’ve spent the last four years trying to find better defenders, and failing to do so.
Barco went off at the break, with Enzo among those coming on to play the second half. Messi, whose fitness remains a concern, played the final 20 minutes and scored from the spot.
In less impressive fashion, Senegal, a popular choice to surprise at the World Cup, labored to a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia, highlighted by Nicolas Jackson picked up two yellow cards within three minutes and seeing red in a friendly game.
Jackson came on just past the hour mark, but did not finish the game after a yellow card for a dangerous high boot was quickly followed by a second yellow card for a professional foul from behind. The first yellow was simply careless; the second was entirely needless. Not exactly a great way to start earning that second chance at Chelsea form the new manager.
Mamadou Sarr started this game and came off in the final ten minutes, to be replaced by former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly. Sarr has started all five games for the Lions of Teranga since replacing an injured K2 in the semifinals of the Afcon in January. Hopefully he keeps his place even now that the veteran defender is back.
