MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — Argentina defeated Peru 2-0 at Onerous Rock Stadium on Saturday evening and with the victory, Lionel Scaloni’s males — who have been already via to the quarterfinals of Copa América — received Group A with three wins from three with out conceding a objective.
The primary half got here with an amazing quantity of Argentine possession (virtually 80%) and management however with no finish outcome. The midfield trio of Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios and Giovani Lo Celso labored laborious to maneuver the ball backward and forward, usually trying on the extensive risk of Ángel Di María and Alejandro Garnacho, who loved an honest 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 positive to maintain it 0-0 by the break. The very 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 should at all times appear to be one thing is lacking for Scaloni’s facet and felt just like the case on Saturday: Argentina have been searching 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 excellent help from Di María. It was his twenty seventh profession worldwide objective for La Albiceleste.
Paredes did not 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 bought his brace due to an excellent chip. It was an excellent reward for an excellent evening’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 strategy from Scaloni, figuring out 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 facet, standing from the bench till the ultimate whistle.
PLAYER RATINGS (1-10; 10: greatest. Gamers launched after 70 minutes obtain no score)
GK Emiliano Martínez, 7 — Little or no to do within the first half. Did not must make a cease and grabbed a free-kick scoop within the second in addition to one shot that was probably harmful. Issues bought trickier by the tip however ultimately, it was nothing he could not cope with and saved one other clear sheet, his third of the event.
DF Gonzalo Montiel, 7 — A strong recreation, as soon as once more imposing his presence on Peru, defending the backline and at all times seeking to go ahead. Earned the penalty that wasn’t scored.
DF Germán Pezzella, 7 –– Strong however not spectacular management of the backline alongside Nicolás Otamendi. Did not must do a lot defensively and was extra answerable for 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 — Strong recreation, protecting quite a lot of floor. Received a free kick and created just a few possibilities for Garnacho and others.
MF Leandro Paredes, 6 — Nice management of the midfield within the first half and fired off an extended shot that got here shut. Typically sturdy all through and misplaced cool solely within the latter levels with a yellow card. He missed the penalty in order that influenced his score.
MF Giovani Lo Celso, 7 — Typically first rate because the connector between midfield and assault, had a shot blocked by Gallese within the first half and was offside for a objective within the second.
MF Exequiel Palacios, 8 –– Moved the ball with ease, with a 100% go success price, ensuring Argentina stayed easy with their motion. A lot of the nice work from Argentina’s midfield started with him.
FW Alejandro Garnacho, 7 — Energetic within the first half, shifting with vitality, inflicting complications to the Peruvian proper facet, and even bought 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 possibilities, and ultimately, earned his brace. 4 objectives 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 received.
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 appeared to run down the clock.