Maxi fires Argentina, Portugal disappoints
Source: Agencies |
May 26, 2010, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MAXI Rodriguez scored twice as Argentina routed Canada 5-0 on Monday in its final match on home soil before heading to the World Cup.
Winger Angel Di Maria, striker Carlos Tevez and substitute Sergio Aguero also scored in front of a 55,000 crowd at the Monumental stadium against a Canada side which was overwhelmed at times by the speed and precision of Argentina's attacks.
Midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron sounded a note of caution, however, saying Argentina's Group B rival Nigeria, South Korea and Greece will provide much stiffer opposition.
"We managed to open a defense that remained packed at the back and whoever your rivals are that's hard to achieve," second-half substitute Veron told reporters.
"We were patient and then with more space the goals came. It was a practise match with a crowd. Before a competition like a World Cup you have to take a match like this carefully, it helps build confidence but at the finals it will be different."
Diego Maradona's side, featuring reserve center backs and without the rested Lionel Messi, went ahead after quarter of an hour with a right-footed free-kick from Rodriguez. Just past the half-hour mark he scored again, finishing off a lightning break that demonstrated the strength of Maradona's team on the counter-attack.
Di Maria made it 3-0 shortly before the interval while the hard-working Tevez also got on the scoresheet.
"The lads understood what I wanted, there are no friendlies wearing this shirt," said Maradona. "The fans can relax, we have good players."
Elsewhere, lackluster Portugal was held to a disappointing 0-0 home draw by 117th-ranked Cape Verde.
Portugal was slow and predictable throughout, making it easy for Cape Verde to apply an ultra-defensive strategy. The home team was dealt a blow when midfielder Tiago limped off with a thigh injury on 70 minutes.
Winger Angel Di Maria, striker Carlos Tevez and substitute Sergio Aguero also scored in front of a 55,000 crowd at the Monumental stadium against a Canada side which was overwhelmed at times by the speed and precision of Argentina's attacks.
Midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron sounded a note of caution, however, saying Argentina's Group B rival Nigeria, South Korea and Greece will provide much stiffer opposition.
"We managed to open a defense that remained packed at the back and whoever your rivals are that's hard to achieve," second-half substitute Veron told reporters.
"We were patient and then with more space the goals came. It was a practise match with a crowd. Before a competition like a World Cup you have to take a match like this carefully, it helps build confidence but at the finals it will be different."
Diego Maradona's side, featuring reserve center backs and without the rested Lionel Messi, went ahead after quarter of an hour with a right-footed free-kick from Rodriguez. Just past the half-hour mark he scored again, finishing off a lightning break that demonstrated the strength of Maradona's team on the counter-attack.
Di Maria made it 3-0 shortly before the interval while the hard-working Tevez also got on the scoresheet.
"The lads understood what I wanted, there are no friendlies wearing this shirt," said Maradona. "The fans can relax, we have good players."
Elsewhere, lackluster Portugal was held to a disappointing 0-0 home draw by 117th-ranked Cape Verde.
Portugal was slow and predictable throughout, making it easy for Cape Verde to apply an ultra-defensive strategy. The home team was dealt a blow when midfielder Tiago limped off with a thigh injury on 70 minutes.
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