Agencies
Bolivia, Sept 5: Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero struck two goals apiece in Argentina’s 7-0 romp against an out-of-sorts Bolivia while France beat Portugal 1-0 in Lisbon as the Euro 2016 hosts registered their first victory since March in a friendly football match.
A largely second string side, with captain Lionel Messi coming on for the final 20 minutes, took to 12 the number of goals Copa America runners-up Argentina have put past Bolivia in two friendlies this year.
Ezequiel Lavezzi also scored two goals while Angel Correa struck Argentina’s seventh on his debut against a Bolivia side under new coach Julio Cesar Baldivieso, who barely had time to prepare them for the match in Houston.
Veteran Bolivia defender Ronald Raldes lent the squad $21,000 of his own money to cover the travel costs to the United States for the squad while the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF) is in turmoil over corruption charges against leading officials.
France’s Mathieu Valbuena came off the bench to score the only goal of the game with a brilliant free-kick, five minutes from the end.
With William Carvalho, Joao Moutinho and Tiago all absent, Portugal coach Fernando Santos was forced to enter the field with a completely renewed midfield, featuring Adrien, Joao Mario and Danilo Pereira, while Didier Deschamps opted to name Nabil Fekir alongside Karim Benzema.
Mexico were held 3-3 by Trinidad & Tobago in friendlies in the United States Friday.
Striker Jozy Altidore scored twice in the second half, his first from the rebound of his penalty saved by Pedro Gallese, as Juergen Klinsmann’s US side recovered from a goal down to beat Peru 2-1 in Washington.
Uruguay, missing suspended strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, beat Panama 1-0 in Panama City with an 82nd minute goal by Cristhian Stuani in Panama City.