JAKARTA, June 20 (BNA): A long-range thunderbolt from Leandro Paredes and a second-half goal from Cristian Romero gave Argentina a 2-0 win Monday in a friendly against Indonesia, making it two wins out of two for the world. The champions are on their short tour of Asia.
The South Americans dominated a sometimes tough game against a energetic Indonesian team that was energized by a spirited 56,000-strong crowd cheering every pass, throw and foray in the Argentine half, Reuters reports.
The guests benefited from the best events at the start, as Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Gonzalez both missed the opportunity and Facundo Buonanotte missed the opportunity after slipping past the advancing goalkeeper.
They finally built their lead in the 38th minute when Paredes found space and smashed into the top corner from 30 metres.
Argentina doubled their lead 10 minutes after half-time when an unmarked Romero easily converted a Giovanni Lo Celso corner kick.
He made no secret of disappointment in Indonesia with Lionel Messi’s absence, despite his role in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Australia in Beijing on Thursday, when he scored in 79 seconds, his fastest international goal.
Dressed overwhelmingly in red and waving national flags, fans at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium still chanted “Messi” as the team marched onto the pitch.
Indonesia defended in numbers trying to stem the attack and created a few chances in the second half, testing goalkeeper Aimee Martinez with a series of long throws in a crowded area.
But they faltered in attack and struggled to contain Alejandro Garnacho, one of six substitutions in the second half, who nearly made it to three in stoppage time.
“I am completely satisfied with the performance of my team, including Garnacho,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “I hope the young players can develop.”
The match was the only bright spot in eight hot months for football in Indonesia, where 135 fans were killed in one of the world’s worst stadium stampedes.
South Korea’s Indonesia coach Shin Tae-yong said the match was a confidence boost ahead of next year’s Asian Cup, while the country’s president, Joko Widodo, said he feared the team’s defeat.
He described their performance in the second half as “extraordinary”.
He said, “Argentina ranks first, and we are in 149th place, but we conceded only two goals.” “This is a big experience for us.”
MI
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