BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) – Goals by Rodrigo Palacio, Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez led Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup warm-up yesterday.
Argentina dominated Trinidad and Tobago, a non-World Cup qualifier, from the beginning, but struggled to find the net. Palacio finally did near the end of the first half with a header.
The hosts made it 2-0 after star striker Lionel Messi hit the post with a free kick. Mascherano was in position to send home the rebound.
Rodriguez, a substitute, finished off the scoring on a pass from Palacio.
It was a strong showing for Argentina, one of the World Cup favourites. The Argentines will open the tournament in Brazil on June 15 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but first play Slovenia in a friendly on Saturday.
Results:
Argentina 3, Trinidad and Tobago 0
Chile 2, Northern Ireland 0
Gibraltar 1, Malta 0
Hungary 1, Albania 0
Iceland 1, Estonia 0
Italy 1, Luxembourg 1
Netherlands 2, Wales 0
Uruguay 2, Slovenia 0
Algeria 2, Romania 1
Jamaica 2, Egypt 2
Ecuador 2, England 2
