LOS ANGELES: Angel Di Maria, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez saved Argentina as the world champions came back from behind before beating Costa Rica 3-1 in an international friendly in Los Angeles this morning.
The South American giants, missing captain Lionel Messi due to injury, completed a two-match tour of the United States with a second win at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Lionel Scaloni’s side, who beat El Salvador 3-0 in Philadelphia last Saturday, dominated the first 45 minutes and created several interesting chances.
However Costa Rica took the lead in the 34th minute after a quick counter-attack.
Alvaro Zamora welcomed Manfred Ugalde’s pass and made a sliding shot which was met by Argentinian goalkeeper Walter Benitez.
Benitez’s shot, however, landed at the feet of Ugalde, who plowed home the ball to make it 1-0.
Argentina got back into contention early in the second half with a stunning equalizer from veteran Di Maria in the 52nd minute.
The 36-year-old Benfica winger flicked a free kick from outside the penalty box towards the corner of the goal which Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas failed to reach.
Argentina made it 2-1 a few minutes later with another set-piece.
Nicolas Tagliafico’s header was hit by the crossbar following a corner kick and Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister acted quickly to head the ball home from close range.
Inter Milan striker Martinez made it 3-1 in the 77th minute, meeting Rodrigo De Paul’s beautiful cross before cleverly throwing the ball past Navas.