The Argentine team beat the Angolan team 2-0 in an international friendly held this Friday (14), at the 11 de Novembro Stadium, in Luanda. The goals in the South American triumph were scored by strikers Lautaro Martínez and Lionel Messi, one in each stage of the game. The match was part of the African nation’s 50th anniversary celebrations and was seen as an important test for coach Lionel Scaloni, who used players with fewer recent minutes.
The first half was marked by a competitive Angolan team, which managed to neutralize part of the offensive actions of Argentina, current world champion. The African team even created scoring chances, forcing goalkeeper Rulli to work at times. Argentina, however, managed to open the scoring close to halftime, after an individual play by Lautaro Martínez.
Martínez opens the scoring at a crucial moment in the first half
Argentina managed to take the lead in the 43rd minute, shortly before the end of the first half of the game, in a moment of inattention from the Angolan defense. Striker Lautaro Martínez received an assist from Lionel Messi, advanced from the right, invaded the area and finished with a cross, with no chance for goalkeeper Hugo Marques.
The first stage was balanced in terms of finishing, with Angola also looking to attack and testing the opponent’s defense.
The game was very physical, with many fouls called, which broke the rhythm of the match on several occasions.
Argentine pressure and substitutions in the second half
The second half started with Argentina looking to extend their advantage, but finding resistance from the Angolan defense. In the 62nd minute, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister received a yellow card after committing a foul.
Coach Lionel Scaloni took advantage of the friendly nature of the duel to promote several changes in the team, giving rotation to less used athletes and testing new formations.
Partido de mierda pero lo não hizo gol Messi https://t.co/PrUM6lQfz0
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Among the substitutions, players such as Gianluca Prestianni, Joaquín Panichelli, José López and Maximo Perrone entered the field, who gained important minutes for their development in the main team.
The replacement of Thiago Almada, who suffered a cut on his eyebrow, by Emiliano Buendia, also changed the Argentine offensive panorama.
Lionel Messi celebrates victory for the South American team
Argentina’s second goal, which sealed the 2-0 victory, was scored by Lionel Messi in the 82nd minute of the final stage, after a quick counterattack. The goal came from an assist from Lautaro Martínez, who, with speed, activated the number 10, who finished with precision.
The score consolidated Argentina’s triumph, which remained undefeated in yet another international match.ional.
The national team friendly in Luanda registered a good crowd at the Estádio 11 de Novembro, celebrating the historic event between the two nations. The match also served as a way for the Angolan technical committee to observe the performance of their athletes.
The confrontation saw a series of set pieces, mainly corners, which were taken by Fredy for Angola and Messi and Lo Celso for Argentina, but without success in converting them into a goal.
The history of clashes between the two teams now records two victories for Argentina in two games played, the previous one being a 2-0 victory in 2006.
