Nico Paz, Scaloni’s Argentina pick who opened his account with a stunner | OneFootball

Nicolás Paz took the field as a starter in the friendly in which the Argentina national team beat Mauritania 2-1, and he delivered: he scored a stunning free-kick goal to extend La Albiceleste’s lead in the match played at La Bombonera. In doing so, the 21-year-old, who played only the first 45 minutes, celebrated his first goal for the senior national team.

The Tenerife-born footballer, son of Pablo Paz, another former national team player, started due to Lionel Scaloni’s decision to rest Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Leandro Paredes, among others. And in the 31st minute of the first half, he shone by taking charge of a set piece.

The Serie A midfielder struck it over the wall, and the ball went right through the gap left by Cristian Romero and Nicolás González, who had positioned themselves next to the Mauritanian players, before nestling low by the left post of goalkeeper Mamadou Diop, who could not get a hand to it.

Thus, the Real Madrid academy product, who had already played four World Cup qualifiers and two friendlies, got his first goal and continues to build a strong case for Scaloni to include him in the final 26-man squad he will take to the World Cup. His first appearance for La Albiceleste had come in October against Bolivia, when he provided an assist, following the outstanding level he had shown at the Italian club, where he is now one of the team’s main stars.

After the match, the left-footer spoke to the press on the pitch and assessed his performance. “Mauritania is a team that was very well organized, they did their job very well and gave us a tough match,” he said.

He also spoke about opening his account: “A goal is something you never forget. I’ve dreamed about it all my life and it happened today. I’ve always watched Messi’s goals; matching him is difficult, but I’m very happy to have been able to score.”

Finally, regarding his expectations for the World Cup, he concluded: “I’m not thinking about the World Cup, only about working every day and, if they believe I’m ready, I’m available.”

Before Nico Paz’s goal, the man who had opened the scoring was Enzo Fernández after a move involving Thiago Almada and Nahuel Molina, who broke down the right and sent in a low cross for the Chelsea midfielder to fire into the back of the net in the 16th minute.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.