Argentina defeats Canada in the last International friendly before the world cup
Argentine defeated Canada, N˚ 69 in the FIFA ranking, 5-0 in the last international friendly before the world cup in South Africa.
This match was part of Argentina’s Bicentennial celebration, the 200th anniversary of the revolution that opened the way to Independence. The pre-game was similar to the super bowl half time show, with the presence of commemorated artists like Shakira, Ricky Martin and Fito Paez.
Lineups:
Argentina:
Sergio Romero; Nicolás Burdisso, Nicolás Otamendi, Gabriel Heinze; Jonás Gutiérrez, Maxi Rodríguez, Javier Mascherano, Angel Di María; Javier Pastore; Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuaín.
Canada:
Patrick Onstad; Paul Stalteri, Richard Hastings, André Hainault, Michael Klukowski, William Johnson, Nik Ledgerwooed, Daniel Imhof, Dwayne De Rosario; Josh Simpson and Robert Friend.
Maradona did not side Walter Samuel, Martin Demichelis, Diego Milito and Lionel Messi for this match, the first three were involved in the UEFA Champions League final and the best decision was to give them a rest. The Barcelona striker and FIFA world player of the year carried a small injury and in conjunction it was decided he would not be risked. Juan Sebastian Veron was also not included in the starting XI, however the Estudiantes playmaker played 30 minutes in the second half.
The absence of Veron in the first half wasn’t noticed, as Pastore, the young Palermo midfielder took the reins of the squad and generated the first clear opportunity when he was taken down in the box. The official denied the penalty kick, awarding a free kick instead; Maxi Rodriguez exchanged it for a goal.
The second goal started with a counter led by Gonzalo Higuain, the Real Madrid striker found Carlos Tevez open on the left side, “El Apache” made a great individual play and found Maxi Rodriguez open in the far post to put Argentina two goals ahead.
The pearl of the match was the goal of Angel Dimaria, who is expected to join Real Madrid this summer. A chip shot over the goalkeeper that made El Monumental roar as if the team had won the world cup.
Tevez and Aguero closed the curtains in a match that was over before it even began.
Carlos Tevez was without a doubt the mvp of the match, he fought every ball as if it were the last one, scored a goal and assisted Maxi in the second goal. This means problems for Diego, a good kind of problem. What coach wouldn’t be tempted to play with three strikers when you have Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez, Diego Milito and Sergio Aguero?
Argentina showed a different face, aggressive, fast and effective in offense. Canada is no rival to brag, with all due respect that they disserve, however I can say that if the team attacks with such voracity teams will have a lot of trouble.
