Aguero’s given the hosts a heads-up
A LATE goal by Sergio Aguero gave Argentina a 1-0 win over World Cup hosts Russia in the inaugural match at Moscow’s newly renovated Luzhniki Stadium.
Man City ace Aguero headed home in the 86th minute, beating veteran goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev after his initial shot was blocked by the Russia defence.
“Some of the things that we planned worked in this game against a tough opponent,” said Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli.
“We played in a courageous and bold manner. We need to build on this.”
Argentina – captained by Barcelona’s Lionel Messi – were on the front foot from the start of the friendly but were unable to capitalise on their chances in the first half.
Messi set up Angel Di Maria in the box in the 36th minute but the Paris St Germain midfielder could not control the ball.
After the break, Russia’s Konstantin Rausch headed the ball off the line after Messi chipped the keeper.
The hosts struggled to retain possession, heavily relying on Akinfeev to keep Messi and Co at bay.
Russia tested Argentina for the first time in the 61st minute with a Denis Glushakov shot which was tipped away by Manchester United’s back-up goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
“We knew that it would be a tough match and that we wouldn’t have possession in some moments,” said Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov.
“I think our defence played correctly from a tactical point of view but we were unable to start quality attacks – especially in the first half – when we had the ball.”
Elsewhere, Udinese’s Antonin Barak scored in the 15th minute as Czech Republic won a friendly match 1-0 in Qatar.
Former Inter Milan and Lazio forward Goran Pandev was on the scoresheet as Macedonia pulled off something of a surprise by beating Norway 2-0 in Skopje last night.
Now playing his club football with Genoa, Pandev netted two minutes before half-time to break the deadlock after a tight opening 45 minutes.
It took until added time for the second goal to arrive, Kire Markoski getting the better of Sten Michael Gryteburst in the Norwegian goal.
Morocco and DR Congo both tasted victory in the African section of World Cup qualifying, beating Ivory Coast and Guinea.