Argentina and Spain suffered defeat by the same scoreline, 1-0, on Tuesday in their respective friendly fixtures. Javier Mascherano and Leo Messi’s side were defeated by a late, late goal from Portugal’s Guerreiro whilst another late goal, this time from Germany’s Toni Kroos, condemned Vicente del Bosque’s team to defeat also.
In the game played at Old Trafford in Manchester, Messi and Mascherano were in the starting line up for Argentina. The Barça number 10 was one of the stand out performers in the first half, hitting the post then coming close on another separate occasion. At half time former Barça coach Gerardo Martino decided to withdraw Messi but Mascherano continued for the entire 90 minutes and was on the pitch when Guerreiro grabbed the winner with the last kick of the game.
In Vigo two blaugranes also started the match. Gerard Piqué and Sergio Busquets were both in the starting 11 for Del Bosque’s team against Germany. With the score goalless at the break both Barça players were replaced. Another blaugrana, Marc Bartra, entered the fray in place of his team mate Piqué to partner Raúl Albiol in the centre of defence. In the last few minutes Pedro came on to replace debutant Nolito who received a standing ovation on his home ground of Balaídos.
The game was decided in the final minutes when a shot from distance from Toni Kroos surprised Spain goalkeeper Kiko Casilla to give the world champions victory. The other blaugrana in the squad Jordi Alba was not called upon during the encounter.
