Gerardo Martino’s reign as Argentina coach got off to the perfect start in Düsseldorf as his new side defeated World Champions, Germany 4-2. Deprived of captain Lionel Messi, Martino fielded a slightly new look Argentina and Manchester United’s new recruit, Angel Di María proved to be the catalyst behind a very promising start to life under Tata.

“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.”

Joachim Low at full time was quick to dispel any possible talk that had Argentina had Di Maria available in the World Cup Final the result might have been different. Of course, this was a friendly, one in which only four members of Germany’s starting eleven remained, but Di Maria gave a reminder of exactly what La Albiceleste had been missing.

In the 20th minute, an exquisite pass with the outside of his left boot fell perfectly behind the flat German defence and Sergio Agüero was able to volley the ball past Manuel Neuer from close range.

Twenty minutes later, Di Maria was again the architect. This time running in behind the defence before pulling the ball back for Tottenham’s Erik Lamela to strike a wonderfully controlled volley into the top corner.

Germany did have their chances in the first half but failed to take any of them and just minutes after the break, Di Maria completed a hattrick of assists. His freekick from the left found Swansea defender, Federico Fernández and he managed to rise above Matthias Ginter to head past substitute keeper, Roman Weidenfeller.

Not content with merely creating the goals, Di Maria then decided to get himself on the scoresheet. Running clear at full pace, Di Maria still had the control and composure to produce the deftest of clipped finishes over the onrushing Weidenfeller.

Germany were able to grab a couple of consolation goals through André Schürrle and a heavily deflected Mario Götze strike but the night well and truly belonged to Di Maria.

Martino said after the match, “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.”

Not that we needed any reminding but what on earth were Real Madrid thinking when they allowed Di Maria to leave, even for such a price!

Germany  2 – 4  Argentina