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Costa Rica vs Argentina Report

Matias Vulej, March 30 2011,
Argentina was lost without Lio Messi. A goalless draw that offered little excitement in San Jose.
Neither Javier Pastore, Gonzalo Gaitan or Jose Sosa could lead the Albiceleste towards a victory in the last match prior to the Copa America.
Neither Javier Pastore, Gonzalo Gaitan or Jose Sosa could lead the Albiceleste towards a victory in the last match prior to the Copa America.
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Related Articles: International Friendly, Argentina, USA, Messi, Pastore, Costa Rica
A boring game took place this Wednesday in Costa Rica, as Sergio Batista's Gauchos were harmless without Barcelona's top striker. Argentina's coach controlled the midfield thanks to Ever Banega and Javier Mascherano, but was unable to overwhelm the hosts, who could have bagged a victory with a little more luck.

Real Madrid's defender Ezequiel Garay played a phenomenal watch, nullifying most of Tico's attacks. Marcos Rojo and Marcos Angeleri failed to open the game from the wings, and sometimes left far too many spaces for Alvaro Saborio and Bryan Ruiz, keeping Argentina's goalkeeper Mariano Andujar constantly busy.

Jose Sosa engaged in close combat with Costa Rica's goalkeeper Keylor Navas, minutes before Javier Pastore warned with a powerful mid-distance shot. Ever Banega was dangerous, but his efficiency was far below the expected level.

Batista introduced fresh legs for the second half, making way for Eduardo Salvio and Fernando Belluschi in his squad. The later awoke Argentina as soon as he entered the field, but the effect was short-lived. Argentina struggled endlessly to score the opener without much success.

The Messi-dependance is an important factor for Batista to reconsider prior to the Copa America. Javier Pastore was expected to become the main playmaker, but he could never break through Costa Rica's defense.

Batista might have to reconsider whether Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito are fit enough to wear the Albiceleste shirt. Their international experience and efficiency in the last meters could have granted Argentina the victory.

But it was also a nice opportunity to try a few alternatives in the squad. Jose Sosa and Belluschi took full advantage of this opportunity, as their finesse multiply Argentina's attack possibilities. Los Gauchos lacked any collective work whatsoever, and many times the ball was gifted to the opponents as the midfielders run out of ideas to reach the opposite area.

Ricardo La Volpe's Ticos rescued an important draw from one of the toughest American visitors. Costa Rica showed strong credentials not to be taken for granted in the Gold Cup, while Argentina's coach was left with a lot to do before hosting the Copa America next july.

Costa Rica vs Argentina

Date: Tuesday, 29 Mar 2011
Time: 22:00 ( US/Eastern )
Competition: Friendly
Live/Repeat: Live

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