Gabriel Batistuta (right) gave Argentina a 1-0 win home win over Chile in Tuesday's World cup warm-up friendly match. Despite Chile's domination of the first half, the goal opportunities were all for Argentina, first for Batistuta, who shot high after dribbling through the entire Chilean defence, then Claudio Lopez, who shot wide.
Argentina's Ariel Ortega also missed two clear shots at goal. But two minutes into the second half, Batistuta put Argentina ahead two minutes into the second half with a header right over Chilean keeper Nelson Tapia. Chile's Zamorano missed a penalty kick in the 89th minute.
Argentina notched its 48th victory against Chile in 69 matches, but the crowd of 47,000 in the city of Mendoza responded with tepid applause. Argentina plays in World Cup Group H against Croatia, Japan and Jamaica. Chile plays in France in Group B, against Italy, Austria and Cameroon. Argentina will finalise its warm-up against South Africa in Buenos Aires on May 25th while Chile faces Uruguay this Sunday.
Argentina: Burgos; Ayala, Sensini, Paz, Zanetti, Almeyda, Simeone (Gallardo 75), Veron, Ortega (Pineda 85th), Batistuta, Lopez (Delgado 75).
Chile: Tapia; Fuentes, Ramiirez, Rojas (Carrenno 78), Castannea, Rojas, Musrri, Parraguez, Estay, Salas, Zamorano.
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