Aguero seals Argentina win in Moscow friendly
AFP
AFP, MOSCOW: A late goal from Sergio Aguero unlocked a stubborn Russian defence on Saturday as Argentina won 1-0 in the ground that will stage the World Cup final next year.
The goal by the Manchester City forward gave the South Americans a deserved win at Moscows renovated 81,000-capacity Luzhniki stadium.
We came here to play against a very disciplined and organised side, Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said. We made some mistakes in the first half but in the second we improved. We played a very intense game.
The things weve planned did work. We played in a bold, direct manner. The coach singled out Aguero for his performance.
Aguero played very well, Sampaoli said. He understood the philosophy of the game and was very active even though he didnt have much space.
Argentina, orchestrated by Lionel Messi, seized the initiative early on. Their first meaningful chance came in the 21st minute when Angel Di Maria received Messis pass in the area but Russian keeper Igor Akinfeev parried his low shot for a corner.
Three minutes later, Aguero forced Akinfeev into a diving save to deny his attempt from just outside the box.
Akinfeev was the hero of the first half as he produced another impressive save after Agueros powerful shot from just nine yards.
After the interval Argentina continued to dominate possession and kept Russias defence under constant pressure but failed to find the net before the 86th minute.
Aguero broke the deadlock when he headed in a rebound from his own blocked shot after a sharp break down the right wing and low cross from Cristian Pavon.
