Instead, fans witnessed the breathtaking depth of the current Argentine team that lost to Chile on penalties in last year’s Copa final.
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La Roja, who were limping for most of the game, found a late consolation through Jose Pedro Fuenzalida but slumped to a worrying fifth defeat in their last 6 games as Argentina gained a measure of revenge for the heart-break in last year’s final.
Martino revealed the 28-year-old FIFA World Player of the Year could be fit to return for Argentina’s second group game against Panama at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Friday.
Lionel Messi was subjected to individual exercises once more on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from the back injury that ruled him out of Argentina’s 2-1 Copa America win over Chile.
Angel Di Maria left no doubt the day’s emotions following the death of his grandmother would not impede on his sensational performance with a goal and an assist to lead the top-ranked La Albiceleste.
But there have always been criticisms, among Argentina supporters anyway, that the Rosario-born 28-year-old has not delivered on the global stage compared to two of the game’s greatest ever players, Pele and Diego Maradona.
“We showed a lot of intensity and great passes from one side to the other”, coach Gerardo Martino said.
Ever Banega also gave Chile a few problems inside the first 45 minutes, but the match was scoreless at half-time, despite Argentina’s clear dominance.
Both teams had good chances in a fast-paced first half featuring two yellow cards against Chile.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward opened the scoring at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, beating Barcelona keeper Claudio Bravo at his near post with a low shot in the 51st minute.
The likes of Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal were proudly belting out the Himno Nacional de Chile when the music faded and was replaced by Mr. Perhaps, with four or five days of uninterrupted recovery in the United States alongside his team-mates, he would have made the cut. He is kicking the ball better now.
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But goalkeeper Sergio Romero got a hand on the ball just as Sanchez’s twirling boot headed toward the goal. “It is worth thinking that he will recover by then”.
