Alvarez's lone goal saves Argentina in World Cup qualifiers against Chile

Already the only South American team to have qualified for the World Cup finals, Argentina weren’t in a celebratory mood against Chile and dominated throughout the match, yet could only manage to secure a narrow 1-0 win.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez put Argentina ahead at the Estadio Nacional during the World Cup qualifiers in the 16th minute with a deft finish after he had been put through by a perfectly weighted pass from Thiago Almada.

Lionel Messi came off the bench in the 57th minute, but Chile sensed a chance to get something from the game and created more as the game progressed.

Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez made a series of crucial saves and Lucas Cepeda went closest with a fierce shot which struck the bar. Cepeda then had the best chance of the game when he was found at the back post, but he blasted his volley wide.

Messi set up Giuliano Simeone with a chance to make it 2-0, but the son of former Argentina captain and Atletico Madrid coach Diego, fired his shot into the side netting.

With the win, Argentina cement their position in the points table with 34 points, followed by Ecuador and Paraguay with 24 ppoints each. Brazil are fourth with 22 after being held to a gaolless draw at the hands of Ecuador.