Slick Argentina hit Singapore for six

Updated 13/06/2017 at 15:00 GMT

International Friendly, National Stadium, Singapore – Singapore 0 Argentina 6 (Fazio 25, Correa 31, Gomez 60, Paredes 74, Alario 90, Di Maria 90+3)

Argentina players celebrate after Federico Fazio of Argentina (C) scores the first goal during the International Test match between Argentina and Singapore at National Stadium on June 13, 2017 in Singapore

Image credit: Getty Images

Jorge Sampaoli enjoyed his second victory in as many matches as new Argentina boss as his side put six past a game, but overmatched, Singapore.

It took Argentina - minus the rested Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain - a while to get into their stride against a red wall of defence that were always going to put numbers behind the ball. But as soon as Federico Fazio waltzed in unopposed to sidefoot the ball home from the corner, the match was never in doubt.

Joaquin Correa doubled Argentina’s lead before the break, again tapping home following a set piece and the visitors then turned on the style.

Football

'It's complicated to keep going' – Scaloni hints at Argentina departure

22/11/2023 at 11:35

The excellent Alejandro Gomez capped a fine performance with a thunderous third and sub Leandro Paredes curled home a superb fourth on debut. Two further goals from Lucas Alario and Angel di Maria in injury time was tough on a weary Singapore, who will have learned much for their Asia Cup matches to come.

For Argentina, tougher tests await in their stuttering World Cup qualification campaign. But they will surely arrive to face Uruguay in Montevideo in a more confident frame of mind.

Papu Gomez, Argentina

Image credit: Getty Images

TALKING POINT

Did we really learn anything? Watching this match was like watching Manchester City face a League Two side in the FA Cup. Yes, they looked mighty impressive, but what else could we have expected. Uruguay won’t be overawed on their home turf.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Alejandro Gomez (Argentina): Capped a wonderful display with a fine goal. Broke forward with menace, his crosses and passing creating havoc in the Singapore box. Little wonder he has 16 goals and 10 assists in Serie A for Atalanta.

Alejandro Gomez (L) of Argentina competes for the ball with Mohammad Shahril Bin Ishak (R) of Singapore during their international friendly football match at the national stadium in Singapore on June 13, 2017

Image credit: Getty Images

PLAYER RATINGS

Singapore: Sunny 7, Hamzah 6, Hameed 6, Bennett 6, Fandi 6, Nazari 6, Harun 7, Baharudin 6, Nizam 7, Arifin 6, Sujad 6. SUBS: Mahbud 6, Sulieman 6, Ishak 6, Mustafic 6, Ramli 6, Shafiq 6.

Argentina: Guzman 6, Fazio 7, Mammana 6, Acuna 6, Biglia 6, Salvio 6, Gomez 9, Lanzini 6, Dybala 7, Di Maria 8, Correa 7. SUBS: Banega 6, Alario 7, Paredes 7, Fernandez 6.

MATCHCAST: FULL STATS, TWEETS AND COMMENTARY

KEY MOMENTS

25’ – GOAL! Singapore 0-1 Argentina: Gomez swings in the corner and Fazio flicks home his first international goal.

31’ – GOAL! Singapore 0-2 Argentina: And it’s another from the corner, Dybala drilling the ball across for Correa to slot home.

60’ – GOAL! Singapore 0-3 Argentina: It’s a blockbusting strike from Gomez from just outside the box, rocketing low and hard into the back of the net.

72’ – POST! Paredes lines up a shot from distance and it clatters back off the post with the sub keeper well beaten!

74’ – GOAL! Singapore 0-4 Argentina: A lovely run and curling shot into the far corner from Paredes. Game, set, match. Had been for a while.

90’ – GOAL! Singapore 0-5 Argentina: Alario latches onto a long ball to smash home.

90+3’ – GOAL! Singapore 0-6 Argentina: Di Maria gets his goal as Fernandez unselfishly rolls it across for him to slam home.

Argentina Squad celebrating the opening goal of Argentina during the International Test match between Argentina and Singapore at National Stadium on June 13, 2017 in Singapore

Image credit: Getty Images

KEY STATS

Jorge Sampaoli has two wins from two matches as Argentina coach
Federico Fazio scores his first international goal
Leandro Paredes scores on his Argentina debut

Football

'Could have been a tragedy' - Messi after Argentina win in Brazil marred by violence

22/11/2023 at 09:47

Football

Messi confirms retirement from World Cup

13/06/2023 at 14:46

World Cup

'He must think I am his toy baby' - Martinez denies mocking Mbappe in World Cup celebrations

11/02/2023 at 13:45

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me