Rodriguez's goal enough for Argentina to edge Mexico

LOS ANGELES: Gonzalo Rodriguez's first international goal gave an experimental Argentina side a 1-0 win over Mexico in an international friendly on Tuesday. 

The 18-year-old defender's stab-in in the 14th minute ensured that Mexico's Argentine coach Ricardo Lavolpe lost his first match in charge. 

Lavolpe, who replaced Javier Aguirre in October, was Argentina's reserve keeper in their victorious 1978 World Cup squad. 

But Rodriguez spoiled his compatriot's first match when he tapped the ball past goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez from less than a metre after Andres D'Alessandro's corner bounced between himself and Mexico defender Diego Martinez. 

Rodriguez also made a crucial interception in the 84th minute when his diving header in front of goal deflected Pavel Pardo's pass intended for Fernando Arce across the goal line. 

Argentina goalkeeper Diego Sebastian Saja also contributed to his side's cause when in the 76th minute he deflected Jose Antonio Castro's 15-meter shot on his knees. 

Mexico were missing the injured Jesus Arellano, Jared Borguetti and Ramon Morales. 

Argentina, who did not include any of their European-based players and relied on players from their First Division, will meet the United States on Saturday in Miami. – Reuters