MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — Argentina defeated Peru 2-0 on Saturday at the Hard Rock Stadium and with the victory, Lionel Scaloni's men, who were already classified for the quarterfinals of the Copa América, won Group A with three victories in three games without conceding goals.
The first half came with overwhelming Argentine possession (almost 80%) and control but without a final result. The trio of midfielders formed by Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios and Giovani Lo Celso worked hard to move the ball from one side to the other, often looking at the threat of Ángel Di María and Alejandro Garnacho, who had a worthy debut as a starter.
Argentina pressed in the first 45 minutes, but not with enough conviction, as Pedro Gallese, Orlando City's Peruvian goalkeeper, made sure to maintain the 0-0 lead until half-time. The best attempt was a shot from Lo Celso when Gallese denied the Tottenham Hotspur man from 12 yards.
Without Lionel Messi, who rested with Argentina's advance already assured, it will always seem that something is missing in Scaloni's team and that is what it felt like on Saturday: Argentina was looking for a response to its dominance but without success.
Until the second half, when Argentina returned with more aggression and in the 47th minute, Lautaro Martínez, who seemed frustrated in the first half, scored the first goal thanks to a great assist from Di María. It was his 27th international goal for Argentina. The Albiceleste.
Paredes failed to convert a penalty awarded by Gonzalo Montiel, but the world champions kept pressing and so did Martínez, and in the 86th minute the Inter striker got his second thanks to a great chip. It was a nice reward for a great night of work.
In the end, Argentina never broke a sweat, winning the match and the group in perfect style.
MANAGER RATING (1-10)
Lionel Scaloni, 9 — A patient approach from Scaloni, knowing that his team, without its best player, was eventually going to slowly develop Peru's plans. He trusted this rotated squad, especially Martínez, and never stopped leading his team, remaining on the bench until the final whistle.
PLAYER RATING (1-10; 10: best. Players entering after 70 minutes are not rated)
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 7 — He didn't have much to do in the first half. He didn't have to make any saves and took advantage of a free kick in the second half, as well as a shot that was possibly dangerous. Things got complicated towards the end, but in the end it was nothing he couldn't control and he kept his third clean sheet of the tournament.
DF Gonzalo Montiel, 7 — A solid game, once again imposing its presence against Peru, protecting the defense and always seeking to go forward. He won the penalty that was not scored.
Defense Germán Pezzella, 7 –– Solid but not impressive control of the defensive line alongside Nicolás Otamendi. He didn't have to do much in defense and was more responsible for directing the game from behind.
Defense Nicolás Otamendi, 8 — Great ball for Di María in the first half. Solid leadership overall from the veteran defender, ensuring there were no major issues from the opposition.
DF Nicolas Tagliafico, 7 — Solid match, with a long journey. He won a free kick and created several chances for Garnacho and others.
MF Leandro Paredes, 6 — Great control of the midfield in the first half and took a long shot that went close. He was generally strong throughout the game and only lost his cool in the final stages with a yellow card. He missed the penalty, so that influenced his grade.
MF Giovani Lo Celso, 7 — Usually decent as a link between midfield and attack, Gallese blocked a shot in the first half and was caught offside in the second.
MF Exequiel Palacios, 8 –– He moved the ball with ease, with a 100% passing success rate, ensuring Argentina kept things simple with their movement. Much of Argentina's good midfield work started with him.
DEL Alejandro Garnacho, 7 — Lively in the first half, moving with energy, causing headaches for the Peruvian right back, and was even involved in some interceptions. An encouraging starting debut for the 19-year-old.
FW Angel Di Maria, 8 — Another commanding performance from Di María, who created more chaos as the match developed. It was his wonderful assist that set up Martínez for the first goal.
Forward Lautaro Martinez, 9 — The first half was frustrating for the forward, but he improved in the second with a good finish and a goal that gave Argentina the advantage. He didn't stop running or working for the team, he continued creating chances and in the end he got his double. He already has four goals in three games.
SUBSTITUTES
MF Enzo Fernandez, 6 — He came in and did the job without inflicting much damage on Peru.
MF Nico González, 6 years old — It replaced Garnacho and was simple but effective.
MF Valentin Carboni, N/R — He replaced Di María once the match was won.
MF Guido Rodríguez, N/R — He replaced Parades, who had a yellow card.
DF Lucas Martínez Quarta, N/R — Substituted in the 83rd minute, Scaloni looked to run out the clock.
