Lavezzi, Agüero, Messi each with braces, Correa scores on debut
Argentina returned to competition with a robust performance, beating Bolivia FC 7-0 in Houston Friday night. The selection made by Argentina head coach, Gerardo Martino, proved to be a successful one as the Albiceleste danced around the Bolivia defense. Lavezzi, Agüero, and Messi all netted braces, while Angel Correa notched his first goal for the national team.
“Our players are trying to recover from the World Cup and Copa America results, so they are thirsty for victory,” Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino said. “It is hard to deal with the pressure of our fans.”
The many Argentina fans that filled the 20,000 capacity stadium were given what they had so hoped for. Leo Messi was subbed in the second half amidst a thunderous roar from the crowd, scoring within the first minute upon stepping on the pitch. As a possible answer to media scrutiny since the Copa, Messi netted another only eight minutes later.
The number of goals at the final whistle could have easily been far more save for Bolivia’s unwillingness to give up and goalkeeper Daniel Vaca making numerous saves.
“Bolivia changed their coach three days before this game,” Martino said when asked about their opponent. “It is very hard [for them] to expect a good result.”
As expected, Argentina dominated possession, wasting no time opening the scoreboard with a cross from Ezequiel Lavezzi for goal in only the fourth minute of the match. Sergio Agüero soon followed suit with a nice chip between the sticks before the pair returned for another round.
“I think there are a lot of things to be able to play a good game,” Martino said following the game. “Such as, good communication, watching videos, training and spending time together as a team to understand each other. We were looking for positive results, and I told the players to not worry about the consequences. But we always avoid a negative result.”
While celebrating the win, Argentina will be facing a resilient opponent against Mexico on Tuesday.
“Mexico is always fighting for a victory,” Martino said with a smile. “They showed it during the World Cup and the Copa America too. We are expecting a tough game.”
Argentina will remain in Houston for one more training session before heading to Dallas for their match against Mexico on Tuesday. The close to 100,000 capacity stadium has a mere 2,000 tickets still available.
