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Tata MARTINO: “We had a better first half”

Tata MARTINO spoke about the match against Bolivia, Venezuela, Lionel MESSI and more. Here’s what he had to say:

“Venezuela’s having a good Copa America and we have to focus. If Venezuela man marks MESSI, we’ll try to counter that by playing him as a center-forward. We knew that MESSI would play 45 minutes, he feels better and that’s good for him.”

“We had a better first half, after that, it was difficult to enter the area. In the case of the two number 9’s (Gonzalo HIGUAIN and Sergio AGUERO), they played together pretty well. I liked it more than TEVEZ and Gonzalo.”

“People payed to see MESSI and he’s used to that.”

“Nothing changes for us because of the eliminations to Brazil and Uruguay.”

“With the boys, we’re always looking to continue growing. What comes next is different.”

Match highlights: Argentina 3 – 0 Bolivia

Despite Gonzalo HIGUAIN and Sergio AGUERO both starting for Argentina, it was Erik LAMELA, Ezequiel LAVEZZI and Victor CUESTA scoring to give them a 3-0 win against Bolivia in the final group stage match.

Rumored Argentina line-up; AGUERO, HIGUAIN start

While Tata MARTINO has confirmed that Lionel MESSI will play against Bolivia, he did not state that he will start.

According to media reports, this will be Argentina’s starting XI against Bolivia on Tuesday:
ROMERO; FUNES MORI, CUESTA, OTAMENDI, RONCAGLIA; KRANEVITTER, BANEGA; LAVEZZI, LAMELA, AGUERO; HIGUAIN

Lionel MESSI to start against Bolivia

Reports from journalists close to the National Team are stating that Lionel MESSI will start against Bolivia on Tuesday.

MARTINO is likely to go with a line-up which consists of a mixture between starters and substitutes. Augusto FERNANDEZ, Nicolas GAITAN, Marcos ROJO and Javier MASCHERANO are all on yellow cards and are one card away from missing Argentina’s next match.

There were some suggestions that Sergio AGUERO could start ahead of Gonzalo HIGUAIN.

Gabriel MERCADO leaves training, BIGLIA, more

Possibly another injury concern for Argentina, this time with Gabriel MERCADO. MERCADO had to leave training due to thigh strain. His participation in the last group match against Bolivia is up in the air but looks like he could miss it. Facundo RONCAGLIA would be his substitute.

Lucas BIGLIA trained normally with the rest of the squad and his recovery is going well. It would be a massive surprise if BIGLIA were to start against Bolivia but if he is fit, could see some minutes.

Angel DI MARIA did some running in the last training session but will not be available for the match on Tuesday.

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