CHICAGO: A goal from Angel Di Maria earned Argentina a comfortable 1-0 win over Ecuador in a pre-Copa America frien­dly in Chicago on Sunday.

Di Maria, who will retire from international duty after the Copa America, gave Argentina the lead five minutes before the break after a through ball from Cristian Romero. Howe­ver, they were unable to extend their advantage in the second half.

“It was a deserved win. We have to keep working as we always do and stay as united,” Di Maria said after the game.

“We could meet Ecuador in the Copa. We know it’s going to be a very difficult tournament. Today was a good game to show what we can do.”

Argentina take on Guatemala in another friendly on Friday before the defending champions kick off their Copa America campaign agai­nst Canada on June 20. They then play Chile five days later and Peru on June 29.

Ecuador face Bolivia on Wednesday and Honduras on Sunday as part of their preparations for the Copa America.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2024