Egyptian pound edges higher against dollar in early Monday trade    Egypt backs Sudan sovereignty, urges end to El-Fasher siege at New York talks    Egyptian pound weakens against dollar in early trading    Egypt's PM heads to UNGA to press for Palestinian statehood    As US warships patrol near Venezuela, it exposes Latin American divisions    More than 70 killed in RSF drone attack on mosque in Sudan's besieged El Fasher    Al-Wazir launches EGP 3bn electric bus production line in Sharqeya for export to Europe    Egypt, EBRD discuss strategies to boost investment, foreign trade    DP World, Elsewedy to develop EGP 1.42bn cold storage facility in 6th of October City    Global pressure mounts on Israel as Gaza death toll surges, war deepens    Cairo governor briefs PM on Khan el-Khalili, Rameses Square development    El Gouna Film Festival's 8th edition to coincide with UN's 80th anniversary    Cairo University, Roche Diagnostics inaugurate automated lab at Qasr El-Ainy    Egypt expands medical, humanitarian support for Gaza patients    Egypt investigates disappearance of ancient bracelet from Egyptian Museum in Tahrir    Egypt launches international architecture academy with UNESCO, European partners    Egypt's Sisi, Qatar's Emir condemn Israeli strikes, call for Gaza ceasefire    Egypt's Cabinet approves Benha-Wuhan graduate school to boost research, innovation    Egypt hosts G20 meeting for 1st time outside member states    Egypt to tighten waste rules, cut rice straw fees to curb pollution    Egypt seeks Indian expertise to boost pharmaceutical industry    Egypt harvests 315,000 cubic metres of rainwater in Sinai as part of flash flood protection measures    Al-Sisi says any party thinking Egypt will neglect water rights is 'completely mistaken'    Egyptian, Ugandan Presidents open business forum to boost trade    Egypt's Sisi, Uganda's Museveni discuss boosting ties    Egypt's Sisi warns against unilateral Nile measures, reaffirms Egypt's water security stance    Greco-Roman rock-cut tombs unearthed in Egypt's Aswan    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Messi inspires Argentina to 1-0 win over Venezuela
New captain Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Venezuela in a friendly on Friday much to the delight of 75,000 spectators at the Salt Lake Stadium
AP Published in Ahram Online on 02 - 09 - 2011

Messi set up the decisive goal in the 67th minute with a corner from the left, which was headed in by Nicolas Otamendi for his first goal in 12 games for his country.
The crowd, which included many celebrities including just-retired Indian football star Bhaichung Bhutia, roared every time Messi showed glimpses of his magical footwork, but the Barcelona star failed to score in the first half.
Argentina seemed to gel well, dominating the midfield early on before slowly taking control.
Messi, who was supported well by Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria, made several attempts on goal, but it was Otamendi who finally managed to put the ball in the net to complete a 19th victory in as many games for Argentina against Venezuela, which made a surprise semifinal run in the Copa America in July.
Argentina, which bowed out in the Copa quarterfinals on home soil, was playing its first game under new coach Alejandro Sabella.
“We won the game so I'm happy and looking forward to our World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on October 14,” Sabella said. “It is too early to make an analysis as I have to see the videos before coming to conclusions.”
The coach said Messi's presence in the team had been important for other players.
“Messi is always an inspiration for the whole team. It was not a bad performance considering that the players had only three days together before this game,” he added.
For Venezuela, Jose Salomon Rondon and Frank Feltscher had decent attempts on goal in the first half, which pleased coach Cesar Farias.
“I thought we played a great game and created some chances to ensure a close match,” Farias said. “Though we can't be happy since we lost, we made some counter-attacks and our defense did well today.”

Clic here to read the story from its source.