In another friendly match as our kids get ready for the Youth World Cup, Argentina defeated USA 1-0 thanks to a Diego BRAGHIERI's header in the 55th minute.
The game was played at Rochester, New York and it marked the end of a short but successful tour of North America with two wins in as many matches. The other victory came a few days ago when Argentina defeated the U20 World Cup host Canada 2-1.
After the game, Argentina manager Hugo TOCALLI, said: "I'm pleased with the boys' attitude. We had moments of great football and I would like to underline the great determination our players showed. This tour really helped us and the victories show us that we are on the right track. We have to keep working hard".
His counterpark, Thomas RONGEN said: “In the end we didn't convert our chances and they converted the one they had. I can't be prouder of the mentality of the team though. We put the reigning world champions on their heels. It's a great lesson to be learned at this point, that the little things make a difference. I'm not happy about the loss, don't get me wrong, but at the same time there are a lot of building blocks and positive things we can work on.”
It is good to have in mind, though, that this Argentina team looks not even close to what it will look like with the addition of key players like Sergio AGÜERO, Gonzalo HIGUAIN and Mauro ZARATE.
But I have to agree with TOCALLI and say that this tour will only benefit our team, as the players who will remain in the squad are getting some games under the belt and another international experience.
Teenage sensation Freddy ADU played for the Americans but was kept at bay.
Click here for an extensive match report from US Soccer.com
As a bonus feature (and something that was totally unexpected!) there is a video with preparations for the match and then the highlights!
Here are the lineups and match details:
USA:
1-Chris Seitz; 3-Amaechi Igwe, 5-Nathan Sturgis, 14-Julian Valentin (15-Jalil Anibaba, 76), 2-Tim Ward; 11-Freddy Adu (capt.), 7-Danny Szetela, 4-Bryan Arguez (10-Rodrigo Lopez, 46); 8-Robbie Rogers (13-Sal Zizzo, 62), 12-Josmer Altidore, 9-Johann Smith Subs not used: 19-Michael Stephens, 24-Alec Dufty
Head Coach: Thomas Rongen
ARGENTINA:
1-Emiliano Centeno; 2-Gabriel Mercado, 3-Marcelo Cardozo, 4-Santiago Villafane, 5-Matias Sanchez, 6-Diego Braghieri (20-Jorge Sotomayor, 88), 11-Leonel Vangioni (16-Nicolas Dul, 64), 13-Fernando Meza, 17-Facundo Coria (15-Frederico Scoppa, 85), 18-Santiago Malano (9-Milton Joel Caraglio, 69); 19-Alejandro Gomez (21-Jonotan Chavez, 79) Subs not used: 7-Diego Perotti,, 12-Agustin Marchesin
Head Coach: Hugo Tocalli
Location: PAETEC Park; Rochester, N.Y.
Date: May 15, 2007
Attendance: 3,531
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