Fruitful experiment
Dybala shines as new-look Argentina ease past Mexico
CORDOBA (ARGENTINA): Juventus forward Paulo Dybala shone as Argentina comfortably beat Mexico in a friendly despite the absence of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero.
In cruising to a 2-0 victory in Cordoba on Friday, Argentina showed more signs of a newfound unity under interim coach Lionel Scaloni as they rebuild following a fraught World Cup in Russia.
“We’re on the right path,” Scaloni said after his side secured their third victory in five games under his command as they eye next year’s Copa America in Brazil.
Mexico could have opened the scoring when Raul Gimenez’s header hit the crossbar early in the game, but Argentina went ahead when Dybala’s free-kick was headed in by Mexican defender Ramiro Funes Mori moments before half-time.
Loudly applauded by the home fans, Dybala supplied the creative spark throughout and could have doubled the score but his second-half lob narrowly missed the target.
Argentina’s second goal came when Mexican defender Isaac Brizuela put into his own net under pressure from substitute Mauro Icardi.
Scaloni handed debuts to Tottenham defender Juan Foyth and Velez Sarsfield midfielder Gaston Gimenez and was delighted with the performances of what was a young and experimental side that included the return of Erik Lamela after injury.
“I am very happy because some players were able to make their debuts today,” Scaloni said.
“They are adding something and important things come along with them. The young lads have to know that the jersey carries a weight.”
Mexico have a chance for revenge when the same countries meeting again in Mendoza tomorrow. — Agencies