Argentina put their World Cup blues behind them on Tuesday by thrashing luckless world champions Spain 4-1 in a high-profile friendly.
Spain did not play badly but lacked precision in attack. Argentina, in contrast, converted their chances clinically.
The handsome win will help the chances of Sergio Batista, Argentina’s caretaker coach, of being given the job on a permanent basis.
“We wanted to give the fans a good performance and result,” said veteran Argentine left-back Gabriel Heinze. “The match went exactly as we planned it,” he added.
Spain’s playmaker Xavi said: “Maybe the result was little cruel.
We weren’t terrible tonight and we should have scored more goals.” River Plate’s Estadio Monumental was packed to capacity for the match, and Lionel Messi and company delighted the locals with a vibrant first-half display.
Messi gave Argentina the lead in the 11th minute with a deft chip after playing a high-speed one-two with Carlos Tevez.
Just three minutes later Gonzalo Higuain — one of the many Argentines who plays in the Spanish Liga — made it 2-0 from a tight angle with his left foot after being played through by the ubiquitous Tevez.
The Manchester City striker scored Argentina’s third goal in the 34th minute by taking advantage of a memorable slip by Jose Reina.
The Liverpool keeper lost his footing whilst taking a backpass from Alvaro Arbeloa, allowing Tevez to make it 3-0 on the slide.
Spain created their own chances but David Villa saw first-half shots hit the woodwork.
The visitors dominated possession in the second-half but again lacked fortune in attack. Santi Cazorla saw a good shot turned onto the crossbar by keeper Sergio Romero.
Spain finally reduced arrears six minutes from time, when Fernando Llorente took a short pass from Pedro and scored with a low drive.
But in injury time, against the run of play, Heinze centred perfectly for Sergio Aguero to make it 4-1 with a cool header.
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