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Luis Miguel Echegaray, ESPN
MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — Argentina defeated Peru 2-0 at Arduous Rock Stadium on Saturday night time and with the victory, Lionel Scaloni’s males — who have been already by means of to the quarterfinals of Copa América — gained Group A with three wins from three with out conceding a purpose.
The primary half got here with an awesome quantity of Argentine possession (virtually 80%) and management however with no finish consequence. The midfield trio of Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios and Giovani Lo Celso labored laborious to maneuver the ball back and forth, usually wanting on the large menace of Ángel Di María and Alejandro Garnacho, who loved a good debut as a starter.
Argentina pushed within the first 45 minutes however with not sufficient conviction as Pedro Gallese — the Peruvian goalkeeper from Orlando Metropolis — made certain to maintain it 0-0 by the break. One of the best try was a shot from Lo Celso as Gallese denied the Tottenham Hotspur man from 12 yards.
With out Lionel Messi, who was rested with Argentina’s progress already assured, it would all the time seem to be one thing is lacking for Scaloni’s aspect and felt just like the case on Saturday: Argentina have been on the lookout for a response to their domination however with out avail.
Till the second half that’s, when Argentina got here again with extra aggression and within the forty seventh minute, Lautaro Martínez, who appeared pissed off within the first half, scored the opener due to an ideal help from Di María. It was his twenty seventh profession worldwide purpose for La Albiceleste.
Paredes didn’t convert a penalty earned by Gonzalo Montiel, however the world champions saved pushing and so did Martínez and, within the 86th minute, the Internazionale attacker acquired his brace due to an ideal chip. It was an excellent reward for an ideal night time’s work.
Ultimately, Argentina by no means actually broke sweat, successful the sport and group in good type.
MANAGER RATING (1-10)
Lionel Scaloni, 9 — A affected person method from Scaloni, understanding that his crew — with out their greatest participant — was going to finally, slowly unfold Peru’s plans. Positioned belief on this rotated squad, particularly Martínez, and by no means stopped directing his aspect, standing from the bench till the ultimate whistle.
PLAYER RATINGS (1-10; 10: greatest. Gamers launched after 70 minutes obtain no ranking)
GK Emiliano Martínez, 7 — Little or no to do within the first half. Did not need to make a cease and grabbed a free-kick scoop within the second in addition to one shot that was probably harmful. Issues acquired trickier by the tip however ultimately, it was nothing he could not cope with and saved one other clear sheet, his third of the match.
DF Gonzalo Montiel, 7 — A strong sport, as soon as once more imposing his presence on Peru, defending the backline and all the time seeking to go ahead. Earned the penalty that wasn’t scored.
DF Germán Pezzella, 7 –– Stable however not spectacular management of the backline alongside Nicolás Otamendi. Did not need to do a lot defensively and was extra in command of directing play from the again.
DF Nicolás Otamendi, 8 — Nice ball in for Di Maria within the first half. Total strong management from the veteran defender, ensuring there have been no main points from the opposition.
DF Nicolás Tagliafico, 7 — Stable sport, protecting plenty of floor. Received a free kick and created a couple of probabilities for Garnacho and others.
MF Leandro Paredes, 6 — Nice management of the midfield within the first half and fired off a protracted shot that got here shut. Typically sturdy all through and misplaced cool solely within the latter phases with a yellow card. He missed the penalty in order that influenced his ranking.
MF Giovani Lo Celso, 7 — Typically respectable because the connector between midfield and assault, had a shot blocked by Gallese within the first half and was offside for a purpose within the second.
MF Exequiel Palacios, 8 –– Moved the ball with ease, with a 100% move success charge, ensuring Argentina stayed easy with their motion. A lot of the nice work from Argentina’s midfield started with him.
FW Alejandro Garnacho, 7 — Vigorous within the first half, shifting with power, inflicting complications to the Peruvian proper aspect, and even acquired concerned in some interceptions. An encouraging beginning debut for the 19-year-old.
FW Àngel Di María, 8 — One other commanding efficiency from Di Maria, who created extra mayhem as the sport developed. It was his great help that arrange Martínez for the opener.
FW Lautaro Martínez, 9 — A irritating first half for the striker improved instantly within the second with an excellent, clear end, grabbing the lead for Argentina. He by no means stopped working or working for the crew, and saved creating probabilities, and ultimately, earned his brace. 4 targets in three matches now for him.
SUBSTITUTES
MF Enzo Fernández, 6 — Got here in and did the job with out inflicting a lot on Peru.
MF Nico Gonzalez, 6 — Changed Garnacho and was easy but efficient.
MF Valentin Carboni, N/R — Got here on for Di Maria as soon as the sport was gained.
MF Guido Rodriguez, N/R — Changed Parades, who was on a yellow card.
DF Lucas Martínez Quarta, N/R — Subbed on within the 83rd minute as Scaloni seemed to run down the clock.