Germany 2-4 Argentina: Di Maria shines

Man Utd's new signing scored one goal and had three assists, helping Argentina win against the reigning World Cup champions in a friendly match on September 3.

Di Maria helped Argentina lead Germany 4-0 in a friendly match on September 3. Photo: AFP.

The Argentinians may have calmed down a bit after their defeat in the 2014 World Cup final. When the German team wore the 4-star jersey for the first time, symbolizing their four world championships, in a ceremony honoring champions who had just ended their international careers such as Philipp Lahm and Miroslav Klose, the Tango dancers destroyed everything with a rain of goals pouring down on Dusseldorf.

Angel Di Maria, Man Utd's expensive new signing, was the most talked about character when he created three goals for Sergio Aguero, Erik Lamela and Federico Fernandez and scored the fourth himself. The home team managed to score two honorary goals thanks to Andre Schurrle and Mario Gotze.

Witnessing Di Maria's performance, Argentina fans probably secretly wished: if only the "angel" hadn't been injured and could have played in the World Cup final nearly 2 months ago. Who knows, maybe the team that won the championship after 120 minutes wouldn't have been the "tank" Germany.

Different from the clash inWorld Cup finalIn Brazil, the two teams met on September 3 without fielding their strongest squads. Coach Gerarado Martino, in his first match leading Argentina, did not have the services of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain... On the other side of the battle line, coach Joachim Low also did not let Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze play in the starting lineup.

True to the nature of a friendly match, the match was played at a slow pace, with the players playing loosely. Germany, with the home advantage, was the team with the first dangerous opportunity. Mario Gomez led the attack in place of Klose, finishing close to the goal in the 7th minute, but could not beat goalkeeper Romero.

The atmosphere really heated up when Di Maria with his magical feet began to threaten Manuel Neuer's net.

In the 20th minute, Di Maria skillfully stroked the outside of his left foot from the edge of the penalty area to make a pass that helped Aguero escape and then gently tap the ball to open the score.

20 minutes later, in an effort to save the ball near the touchline, the Man Utd midfielder continued to make a pass to help Lamele volley into the top corner of the German team's goal, leaving Neuer rooted to the spot.

Just two minutes into the second half, Di Maria took the free kick again, passing the ball right to Rojo who jumped high and headed the ball close to the goal, increasing the score to 3-0.

Three minutes later, Di Maria scored his fourth goal himself, a goal that showcased all his qualities. The "Angel" coordinated a one-two with a teammate in midfield and used his speed to escape past the German defender. When he was face to face with goalkeeper Weidenfeller, he finished with technique, sending the ball over the head of the Dortmund goalkeeper, leaving no chance to save.

Germany's two consolation goals were scored quite easily. Andre Schurrle comfortably finished from a corner kick, scoring a goal to reduce the score. In the 78th minute, Mario Gotze's shot hit the Argentine defender and flew into the net, setting the final score at 2-4.

Line-up

Germany: Neuer (Weidenfeller 46), Durm, Howedes (Rudiger 77), Ginter, Grosskreutz, Kroos (Rudy 71), Kramer, Schurrle (Muller 57), Reus, Draxler (Podolski 33), Gomez (Gotze 57).

Goals: Schurrle 52, Gotze 78.

Argentina: Romero (Andujar 79), Rojo Federico Fernandez, Demichelis, Zabaleta (Campagnaro 77), Mascherano, Biglia, Perez (Augusto Fernandez 46), Di Maria (Alvarez 86), Lamela (Gago 68), Aguero (Gaitan 83).

Goals: Aguero 20, Lamela 40, Federico Fernandez 47, Di Maria 50.

According to VnExpress.net