Martino makes strong debut with Argentina

Argentina and Germany faced each other this evening in a rematch of the 2014 World Cup Final in Brazil. But although the Germans won at the Maracanà, it was a different story tonight as the South Americans claimed a 4-2 win, marking a fine start for their Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino in his new managerial post in charge of Argentina.

Leo Messi was missing from the game in Düsseldorf due to the groin strain sustained against Villarreal at the weekend. His FCB team-mate Javier Mascherano wore the captain’s armband in his stead in a game where new Man United signing Di María was the most active player, providing assists for all three of his team’s first three goals and then scoring the fourth before Schürrle and Götze restored some German honour.

Sergio Agüero opened the scoring by turning home a Di María cross on 20 minutes. Shortly before the break, it was Lamela’s turn to finish off a similar move, and the second half had barely started before substitute keeper Weidenfeller was beaten when Fede Fernández latched onto a Di Maria free-kick to make it three. Nine minutes, goal provider became goal getter as Di María subtly flicked home when he caught the German keeper off his line.

Schürrle pulled one back for Germany from a corner, and then Götze, moments after hitting the post, set up the definitive scoreline of 4-2. All in all, it was a wonderful start for Gerardo Martino, and FC Barcelona wishes him all the very best in his new role.

Meanwhile, in an international friendly between Brazil U21 and Qatar U23 in Doha, the South Americans stormed to a predictable 0-4 win.