No Messi, no problem as Argentina down Peru

MIAMI/MEXICO CITY:

Argentina shrugged off the injury absence of Lionel Messi to maintain their perfect start at the Copa America on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Peru in Miami.

Lautaro Martinez scored twice at the Hard Rock Stadium to seal a win that ensured Argentina advance to the quarter-finals as Group A winners.

With Messi sidelined after complaining of a sore right hamstring, and coach Lionel Scaloni serving a one-game suspension, Argentina made nine changes to their starting XI at the Hard Rock Stadium.

But despite the makeshift-looking line-up, Argentina were always in control against a disappointing Peru side who managed just one shot on goal during a one-sided encounter.

Martinez’s first goal came just after half-time. A sublime through ball from Angel Di Maria released the Inter Milan forward, who calmly lifted a deft finish over advancing Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Argentina had a chance to double their lead in the 72nd minute after Jesus Castillo handled in the area to concede a penalty.

But Leandro Paredes crashed his ensuing spot-kick against the woodwork to leave the score at 1-0.

Martinez then grabbed a second in the 86th minute, latching on to a long pass forward before finishing past Gallese.

Replays indicated Martinez appeared to shove defender Aldo Corzo in the build-up but referee Cesar Ramos waved Peru’s protest and the goal stood.

“It was tough in the first half because they were defending deep, but the first goal opened up the game,” Martinez said afterwards. “There’s a lot more to come from us.”

Martinez has now scored in four consecutive appearances for Argentina and is relishing his hot streak.

“Every time I put on this shirt, every training session, every meal, every team talk, I enjoy it,” Martinez said.

Argentina will now face the runner-up from Group B in the quarter-finals in Houston next Thursday, most likely either Ecuador or Mexico.

In Saturday’s other Group A game, Canada held 2015 and 2016 Copa America champions Chile to a 0-0 draw in Orlando, which was enough to see the Canadians into the last eight.

Chile needed a victory to leapfrog the Canadians into the knockout rounds but were left with a mountain to climb early in the game when Gabriel Suazo was dismissed for a second yellow card after only 27 minutes.

Lozano determined to take Mexico to quarter-finals

Mexico face Ecuador in their final Copa America group-stage match on Sunday and coach Jaime Lozano is determined to get his side through to the next round, claiming they must win as they are ‘playing for their lives’. Mexico, who lost 1-0 to Venezuela, have three points in Group B and must beat Ecuador, also on three, to qualify for the quarter-finals.

“Tomorrow both teams will be playing for their lives, it will be an intense 90 minutes. We know we have to win, it’s the result that counts for us, we depend on ourselves, we have to be intelligent,” Lozano told the press conference on Saturday.

“The atmosphere is good. I’m calm because of what the team has shown on the pitch and what reassures me is that they are strong,” he added.

The coach, who came under fire after the defeat to Venezuela and previous poor performances such as the loss to the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League final in March, was asked about his future at the helm.

“The decision (to leave the squad) is not up to me. As a coach you know you need results and we need to pick up points,” Lozano added. Ecuador could reach the last eight on goal difference, while if Mexico win and finish second in Group B, they could face Argentina in the next round. Group leaders Venezuela are through to the quarter-finals with six points. They will meet Jamaica on Sunday, who are out of the competition after losing to Mexico and Ecuador. AFP/