ACUÑA AND MONTIEL PLAY IN A GOAL-FEST AGAINST THE UAE (0-5)

Wednesday saw two Sevilla players take to the field in Argentina's first and only friendly match before the start of the World Cup. Argentina, in fact, have already made their way to the Persian Gulf, where on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi they beat the United Arab Emirates, who are not among the 32 qualified teams. Marcos Acuña started at left-back and also assisted Di María for the second goal of the game. He came off at half-time to be replaced by ex-Sevilla player Joaquín Correa.

At that point Gonzalo Montiel also came on, in this case replacing Alexis Mac Allister. Papu Gómez was left out, and in fact was one of only three players not in the squad, along with Cristian Romero and Paulo Dybala. Argentina ended up winning 5-0, with a goal from Julián Álvarez, two from Di María, one from Messi and another from Tucu Correa. The reigning champions of the Copa América will make their World Cup debut next Tuesday at 11.00 am against Saudi Arabia in Lusail.