Piero Hincapié squares up to Alexis Mac Allister as Ecuador beat Argentina 1-0
New Arsenal defender played full match as Ecuador secured World Cup qualification and kept a fifth consecutive clean sheet
Piero Hincapié, Arsenal’s deadline-day signing, squared up to Argentina and Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister during Ecuador’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over the reigning world champions on Tuesday, a result that helped Ecuador secure a spot at next summer’s tournament.
Hincapié, who joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen on an initial loan with a reported £42 million option to buy, played the full match at left back as Ecuador beat Argentina for the first time in a decade. The defender helped Ecuador record another clean sheet — the nation’s fifth consecutive in qualification — and contributed three clearances, two interceptions and tackles, while winning two of his three aerial duels.
The altercation followed a late challenge by Hincapié on Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono in stoppage time. Television footage showed Mac Allister barging into Hincapié’s side, gesturing and remonstrating with the Arsenal signing, who pointed back and did not withdraw. Referees did not issue disciplinary sanctions stemming from the confrontation.
Ecuador finished second in South American qualifying behind Argentina, conceding five goals in 18 matches, and will join the World Cup field next summer. Hincapié’s defensive contributions were noted by supporters and observers online, with some fans highlighting the physical nature of the challenge to a high-stakes match and suggesting the player’s temperament would suit the Premier League.
Arsenal face a short turnaround as Hincapié targets his Premier League debut. The Gunners host Nottingham Forest in the Saturday lunchtime kickoff, having slipped to third in the table after a 1-0 loss to leaders Liverpool before the international break.
The clash with Mac Allister offered a first glimpse of the kind of on-field duels Hincapié may face in England. He joined Arsenal after an extended spell with Bayer Leverkusen and arrives as Mikel Arteta’s side aim to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race. Ecuador’s result against Argentina provides a late-season confidence boost for the defender ahead of his club debut.