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Argentina bounce back, Italy held in friendlies
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-17 10:53
LONDON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Argentina enjoyed a 3-0 victory away to Qatar on
Wednesday as several qualified nations for next year's World Cup finals squeezed
in warm-up friendlies.
Italy, who like Argentina will be strongly
fancied in Germany next year, were given a fright in Geneva where they were held
1-1 by the fellow qualifiers Ivory Coast.
Twice world champions Argentina, still smarting from their 3-2 defeat by
arch-rivals England on Saturday, scored three times in four second-half minutes.
Midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme broke the deadlock after 70 minutes before
substitute Julio Cruz and defender Roberto Ayala put the gloss on their
performance.
"I am surprised by Qatar's display," said Argentina coach Jose Peckerman, who
handed a start to Barcelona teenager Lionel Messi who missed the England match
through suspension.
Chelsea's Didier Drogba scored after 69 minutes as the Ivory Coast threatened
to inflict a first defeat in 15 matches on three-times world champions Italy.
Drogba, who helped the African nation qualify for their first finals,
controlled a low ball before lashing it into the roof of the net.
Italy were spared defeat four minutes from time when Sampdoria midfielder
Aimo Diana latched on to a cross from Gianluca Zambrotta to poach an equaliser
at the far post.
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