Highlights: Argentina beat Germany 4-2, Angel Di Maria involved in all four goals
Argentina beat Germany 4-2 in a friendly match in what was a repeat of the 2014 World Cup final at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf on Wednesday night.
Manchester United’s new record signing Angel Di Maria was the star for the Albiceleste, playing a part in all four goals, scoring one and setting up three.
The first goal came from a superb lob from Di Maria into the six-yard box and Sergio Aguero only had to tap it in to make it 1-0.
Erik Lamela then doubled their advantage with a sublime left-footed volley into the top corner after Di Maria crossed it from inside the box.
Federico Fernandez then headed home their third after Di Maria sent in a free kick to the far post. Fernandez rose above the rest to power his header into the back of the net.
Di Maria finally got his reward for a fantastic performance when he was released down the right flank, entered the box and chipped the charging goalkeeper to make it 4-0 to Argentina.
Andre Schurrle scored Germany’s first goal after Argentina failed to clear the ball in a corner kick scramble in the box. They scored their second thanks to an own goal from Fernandez who got in the way of Mario Goetze’s shot and deflected it into the net.
Germany coach Joachim Loew brushed aside talk of Argentina’s chances in the World Cup final if Angel Di Maria was available saying, “We would have beaten Argentina in the final on July 13 even if Di Maria had been playing.
“"He couldn't have beaten us on that day.”
Meanwhile, Argentina’s new manager and ex-Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said, “Di Maria is one of the best four or five players in the world and so his performance didn't surprise me.
“His absence [in the World Cup final] was noticeable.”