Angel Di Maria scored the only goal as Argentina warmed up for the defence of their Copa America crown with a 1-0 friendly victory over Ecuador in Chicago on Sunday.
Di Maria, named as captain for the game with Lionel Messi on the bench, bagged his 31st international goal in the 40th minute of an entertaining clash at Soldier Field.
Patient approach play saw Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul play an incisive pass to defender Cristian Romero in an advanced position on the edge of the area.
The Tottenham centre-back swiveled brilliantly and picked out Di Maria with a superb reverse pass and the veteran winger darted in before steering a deft low finish past Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.
Di Maria made way for Messi on 56 minutes but the Inter Miami star was unable to help Argentina add to the scoreline.
GOAL DI MARIA 🫶🔥 pic.twitter.com/I8GbYS42lZ
— Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) June 9, 2024
Sunday’s game in Chicago was one of two friendlies Argentina have scheduled before they kick off the Copa America on June 20 against Canada in Atlanta.
The reigning world champions face Guatemala in Landover, Maryland, on Friday as they wrap up preparations for the Copa America, which is being staged in the United States this year with teams from CONCACAF participating.
Author
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 11 hours agoFrance’s Saliba ‘fine’ after injury scare, says Deschamps
France coach Didier Deschamps said on Wednesday that defender William Saliba is "fine" despite...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 12 hours agoYamal, Williams should be fit for World Cup opener: De la Fuente
Forwards Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams should be fit for Spain's World Cup opener,...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 20 hours agoEngland launch World Cup build-up in steamy Florida
England kicked off their pre-World Cup preparations in Florida on Tuesday, holding a light...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 1 day agoSotheby’s to auction Pele jersey worn in 1958 World Cup
The jersey worn by late football legend Pele during Brazil's 1958 World Cup victory...
By AFP