Argentina produced an improved performance on Tuesday night to record a vital victory against Uruguay thanks to Sergio Agüero’s second half header and importantly displayed far more defensive mettle than they did against Paraguay. There were some nervy moments in the second half, where Uruguay may have snatched a point, but La Albiceleste were good value for the win. How did the players fare?

Sergio Romero – 7

The Sampdoria keeper didn’t have a great deal for a lot of the match but when it counted Romero showed that he was up to the test, as he did in Brazil. After a pretty inactive opening 45 minutes, the 28-year-old was called into action minutes after the break to keep out a powerful Maxi Pereira shot but it was in the closing stages when he produced a superb reflex save to deny Ábel Hernández and ensure the victory for Argentina.

Pablo Zabaleta – 8

The Manchester City right-back returned to the side after his ankle injury and provided an immediate impact. Solid defensively but crucially added further width to the side, producing a superb cross which led to City teammate Agüero heading the winner.

Ezequiel Garay – 7

Aside for a few hairy moments towards the end of the match with Uruguay pressing for an equaliser, Garay acquitted himself well. Strong in the air, Garay won most of the aeriel battles with Edinson Cavani and the Zenit defender provided a first pass out from the back throughout the 90 minutes.

Nicolás Otamendi – 7

Another powerful performance from Otamendi helped Argentina stand firm in the face of Uruguayan pressure as the match drew on and there were signs that his partnership with Garay is improving.

Marcos Rojo – 6

Rojo certainly did not enjoy the success down the left that Argentina had on the opposite flank and his early forays forward appeared to dry up fairly quickly. Battled well in defence without being overly worked by Uruguay but is careless in possession at times.

Lucas Biglia – 7.5

A welcome return to the midfield after missing the Paraguay match through injury, Biglia once again illustrated why he is a perfect partner to Mascherano in the centre of midfield. The hard-working midfield covers a lot of ground, battles back to win the ball but gets forward to support the attack with simple but effective passing.

Javier Mascherano – 7

Mascherano was Mascherano. Full of hustle and bustle in front of the defence and a crucial line in snuffing out the creative hub of Uruguay in Nicolás Lodeiro. It wasn’t a classic Jefecito performance but for much of the match it didn’t need to be, Argentine were in control and much of Mascherano tireless work and efficient passing went unnoticed.

Javier Pastore – 8.5

Perhaps a coming of age performance for Javier Pastore in an Argentina shirt as the Paris St Germain stepped up to become a primary creative force in Tata Martino’s side. With Messi dropping deep and often being tracked by two or three, Pastore revelled in the space left and popped up across the line with incisive passes. His moment of skill in the build-up to the goal changed the match and as good as Zabaleta’s cross and Agüero’s header were, neither would have been possible had it not been for the talent of El Flaco.

Lionel Messi – 7.5

The burden of being the best player in the world is that you get kicked and pulled a lot and against Uruguay not only was the defending physical against Messi it was often two or three players dropping to help out. That did not prevent the Argentina captain from posing a huge threat. By his own very hight standards it was a quiet night at the office but Messi’s contribution to the attack was vital and when the momentum had shifted during the second half, he provided a useful outlet and managed to slow the game.

Sergio Agüero – 8

Stuck between the imposing figures of Diego Godín and José María Giménez it was a difficult night for Agüero and he appeared to be feeling the effects when he was substituted. However, a second goal in the tournament is proving how valuable the Manchester City striker is to Argentina when fit. After seeing a header well saved by Muslera in the first half, Agüero left the Uruguay keeper no chance with his superb match winning header shortly after half time.

Ángel Di María – 6.5

Di María remains a little hot and cold in attack and at times lacks the final ball or chooses the wrong option but his willingness to run in behind and his pace allow Argentina to stretch opposition defences. El Fideo had a couple of chances in the first half which lacked any real conviction but his incredible stamina meant that he contributed important defensive work when Uruguay began to press.

Substitutions

Éver Banega – 6

Banega was only given just over fifteen minutes and in replacing Pastore, Argentina dropped a little deeper. The Sevilla midfielder did not add a great deal but worked hard and helped hold on to the lead.

Carlos Tevez – 6.5

On the day that it was reported Tevez might be making a sensational return to Boca, the 31-year-old proved a decent back-up to Agüero after the goal scorer limped off with ten minutes remaining. Full of energy, Tevez linked up well with Messi but wasted a good opportunity on the break late on.

Roberto Pereyra – n/a

The Juventus midfielder picked up his first minutes in the Copa América replacing Di María late but was not on long enough to make any impression.

Coach

Gerardo Martino – 7

After receiving such a lot of criticism in the aftermatch of the Paraguay match it was a strange evening for Martino as he was able to pick what is probably his first-choice eleven but didn’t last until half time before being sent to the stands by referee Sandro Ricci. The recall of Biglia and Zabaleta saw the side defend much better and improved the balance of the side but the decision to keep Pastore in the side should be commended. With Messi being well marshalled, Martino gave Pastore the important role of roaming behind the attackers and it proved to be a successful ploy.