Argentina put six goals past Singapore in friendly romp

Argentina strolled to a 6-0 win over Singapore at the National Stadium in a one-sided international friendly on Tuesday evening.

The Lions, looking to bounce back from Saturday's dismal home defeat against Chinese Taipei in qualification for the 2019 Asian Cup, were never in the game as Federico Fazio and Joaquin Correa put Argentina ahead by the break.

On the hour, Alejandro Gomez added a third with Singapore struggling to create a chance of note. Then Leandro Paredes, Lucas Alario and Angel Di Maria completed the victory.

As expected, Argentina were aggressive from the start, putting the hosts on the back foot at a Sports Hub arena that was far from full. In the early exchanges, the South Americans struggled to find space in the crowded penalty area.

After 15 minutes, Di Maria stung the palms of Hassan Sunny in the Singapore goal with a 30-yard shot.

Ten minutes later, Argentina took the lead in what was disappointing fashion for the host. A right-sided corner from Gomez was allowed to fall at the feet of Fazio at the near post who nonchalantly side-footed a low shot into the opposite side of the net.

On the half-hour, Singapore conceded another goal from a set piece. This time the corner -- from the same side -- was a short one. Paulo Dybala received the ball near the byline, drilled a pass into the near post and there was Correa, in too much space, to flick it past Hassan and into the net.

The Lions were struggling to make any kind of inroad against the visiting defence. Nahuel Guzman barely had a save to make though was a little concerned on the stroke of half-time when an overhit cross from Shakir Hamzah threatened to drop into the top corner.

The first action of note in the second half -- apart from a quick shot on the turn from Manuel Lanzini that went wide -- was Hassan leaving the pitch after injuring himself taking a goal-kick to be replaced by Izwan Mahbud.

The new number one was soon being tested by the dangerous crosses of Di Maria. But more worrying for the hosts was the sight of Irfan Fandi being stretchered off after going down with an injury.

Just after the hour, Argentina moved further ahead. Singapore failed to clear their lines and Gomez drilled a fierce low shot into the bottom corner of Izwan's goal from the edge of the area.

A rare Singapore foray into the South American half brought a corner after good work from Hariss Harun. But it was Argentina who came closest to the next goal as Paredes sent a low shot against Izwan's left post from just outside the area.

The Roma midfielder went one better with 16 minutes remaining, going higher from a similar position to give Argentina a fourth.

There was still time for Alario to run on to a flicked header and fire number five into the net and Di Maria to add to Singapore's pain with a cheeky finish from the edge of the six-yard box.

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