International friendlies wrap: USA hold Argentina at bay

The USA dug in to claim a draw with a star-studded Argentina, while Chile and Portugal could not be split in Saturday’s friendly action.

Facing an Argentina line-up featuring the likes of Lionel Messi, Esteban Cambiasso and Angel di Maria, the USA showed why they made the Round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup by coming from behind to force a draw at the New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey.Messi threatened throughout and went close on several occasions, with it coming as little surprise when he was heavily involved in the match’s opening goal on 42 minutes.The Barcelona starlet nutmegged USA captain Carlos Bocanegra after a mazy run into the penalty area, with Cambiasso scoring high into the net after di Maria’s close-range shot was saved by Tim Howard.But the game was to finish 1-1 after teenager Juan Agudelo – a half-time substitute for Blackburn midfielder Jermaine Jones – seized on a fumble from Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andujar in the 59th minute to poke home.It was New York Red Bull striker Agudelo’s second goal in just three senior games, with the 18-year-old also netting in his club’s MLS opener last Saturday.Elsewhere, Portugal and Chile played out a 1-1 draw in Leiria, with the home side taking the lead in the 16th minute when winger Varela headed home Nani’s corner.But Chile squared the encounter on 41 minutes when Matias Fernandez – who plays his club football in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon – finished past Rui Patricio.Continuing the Portuguese football trend, Porto duo Fredy Guarin and Falcao both scored in Colombia’s 2-0 against Ecuador in Madrid.Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez hit a first-half double and Andres Guardado added another as Mexico defeated Paraguay 3-1.Sunderland midfielder Cristian Riveros struck Paraguay’s late consolation goal, with the game played at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in California.