River Plate have been held to a 0-0 draw by Mexico’s Monterrey on Saturday, irritating the Argentine membership’s hopes of reserving their place within the knockout rounds of the Membership World Cup.
Poor ending and a string of saves from Monterrey’s Argentine goalkeeper Esteban Andrada – who used to play for River’s arch-rivals Boca Juniors – denied the group from Buenos Aires three factors that may have sealed their passage to the final 16 from Group E.
The consequence leaves the group standings finely balanced heading into the ultimate spherical of fixtures on Wednesday, with River and Italy’s Inter Milan degree on 4 factors every. Monterrey, who’re third with two factors, face Japan’s already eradicated Urawa Purple Diamonds.
A vivid opening in entrance of 57,393 followers on the Pasadena Rose Bowl noticed Monterrey benefit from the higher of the early exchanges, with former Spain worldwide midfielder Sergio Canales’ run and shot forcing River goalkeeper Franco Armani to save lots of well after 13 minutes.
However for lengthy intervals the sport didn’t develop right into a rhythm, with a sequence of niggling fouls – 23 within the first half alone – making for a scrappy opening 45 minutes.
River have been left to rue lacking two gilt-edged scoring alternatives within the closing minutes of the primary half.
On the stroke of half-time Giuliano Galoppo discovered himself with time and house within the centre of the Monterrey penalty space, however despatched his shot curling excessive and huge of the highest right-hand nook.
River’s military of noisy followers behind the aim groaned in frustration and have been quickly howling in disbelief moments later when Lucas Martínez Quarta squandered an excellent likelihood.
A nook on the appropriate was flicked on and fell to the centre-half on the sting of the six-yard field, just for the defender to sidefoot his shot huge of the publish.
River continued to dominate after half-time, with teenager Franco Mastantuono – who will be a part of Actual Madrid after the event – denied by Andrada with a 67th-minute effort.
The Millionarios wasted one other golden likelihood on 76 minutes, with Colombian worldwide Miguel Borja capturing at Andrada after a chic by means of ball by Facundo Colidio had put him clear by means of on aim.
A irritating night time for River ended with Kevin Castaño despatched off in damage time after selecting up his second yellow card.
River’s subsequent match – towards UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan – will now be decisive. The match kicks off Wednesday, June 25, at 10pm Buenos Aires time.
– TIMES/AFP
associated information
Keep forward of the curve with Enterprise Digital 24. Discover extra tales, subscribe to our e-newsletter, and be a part of our rising group at nextbusiness24.com
