Following the disappointment of defeat to Brazil in Beijing, Argentina bounced back with a routine, battering of Hong Kong. As expected, Gerardo Martino gave several squad players an opportunity and in a match that was little more than a training exercise, La Albiceleste romped to a 7-0 win.
A completely new look defence was given an outing by Tata Martino and although Hong Kong provided little to no test, the match gave a full debut to Sunderland defender, Santiago Vergini and Tigres goalkeeper, Nahuel Guzmán.
Atrocious defending allowed Éver Banega to smash Argentina in front after 19 minutes and two goals shortly before half time made the half time scoreline far more comprehensive. Gonzalo Higuaín’s glancing header was quickly followed by Nico Gaitán’s well struck shot and it set up a one-sided second half that saw some of Argentina’s more established stars introduced.
Higuaín tapped in a second after the break and on the hour mark Lionel Messi was introduced in place of Javier Pastore. Within six minutes, Messi skipped through the defence and got his name back on the scoresheet after his penalty miss against Brazil.
The Barcelona striker then squared the ball for Gaitán to add his second and then Messi completed his own brace.
There will be some adjusting to life under Martino and now focus must shift to the more important matter of the Copa America.
golazo argentino 