The trio of Angel Di Maria, Alexis Mac Allister, and Lautaro Martinez masterminded Argentina‘s resurgence on Tuesday, clinching a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica in an international friendly hosted in Los Angeles.
In the absence of their injured skipper Lionel Messi, the South American powerhouses concluded their two-match stint in the United States with a well-earned victory at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Lionel Scaloni’s squad, following their 3-0 victory over El Salvador in Philadelphia on Friday, asserted dominance in the first 45 minutes, creating numerous promising opportunities.
On the other hand, Costa Rica managed to snatch the lead at the 34-minute mark through a swift counter-attack, turning the tables.
Alvaro Zamora capitalized on Manfred Ugalde’s pass, unleashing a low shot that Argentina goalkeeper Walter Benitez managed to block.
Benitez’s save however fell invitingly into the path of Ugalde, who bundled home the rebound for 1-0.
Read also: Argentina Formally Rejects BRICS Membership
Argentina got back on level terms early in the second half with a superb equaliser from veteran Di Maria on 52 minutes.
From the outskirts of the box, the 36-year-old winger for Benfica unleashed a spectacular free-kick, which soared into the top corner, leaving Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas helpless.
Another set-piece goal by Argentina four minutes later put them ahead 2-1 in the match.
Nicolas Tagliafico’s header rattled against the crossbar after a corner, and Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister seized the opportunity, heading home the rebound from a short distance.
Martinez, the forward for Inter Milan, sealed the victory in the 77th minute, receiving an exquisite through pass from Rodrigo De Paul and elegantly chipping the ball over Navas.