Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni praised his team's ability to respond under pressure after a 2-0 victory over Canada in their Copa America opener on Thursday.

The reigning World Cup and Copa America champions withstood a combative first-half display from the 48th-ranked Les Rouges before second-half goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez ended any chance of a shock result.

"The important thing is that the team always responds, no matter what the game is like," Scaloni told a news conference after the match at Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta.

"This team generates scoring opportunities and defends like lions," he added.

In addition to their high-pressing, Canada threatened in attack with Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Stephen Eustaquio each having clear scoring chances in the first half.

"As a negative aspect, I am left with the chances they created," Scaloni said. "We will analyze them in detail later. Winning always reinforces a lot of things. Yesterday I said that Canada was a tough opponent and, just as we thought, it was a good test."

Argentina's next opponent in the continental tournament will be Chile in New Jersey on June 25 while Canada will face Peru in Kansas City the same day.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)