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Argentina coach Batista heaps praise on Messi for QF berth

Updated on: 13 July,2011 08:40 AM IST |
Agencies |

Coach Batista heaps praise on man-of-the-match Messi, whose magic took Argentina into the quarter-finals

Coach Batista heaps praise on man-of-the-match Messi, whose magic took Argentina into theu00a0quarter-finals

Relieved Argentina coach Sergio Batista singled out Lionel Messi as his star after overcoming Costa Rica 3-0 in Monday's crucial Copa America clash.

Argentine ace Lionel Messi (centre) dribbles past a host of Costa Rican
defenders during Monday's Copa America match in Cordoba. PIC/AFP

The Albiceleste suffered during a first-half marked by missed opportunities, but found their scoring boots just before the break and ran out comfortable winners over the Central Americans. Sergio Aguero scored a fine double to become Copa top-scorer, while Angel Di Maria notched the third to secure victory.

Barcelona star Messi stole the show, however, and was named man-of-the-match after a much-improved performance where he provided two assists.

The coach chose to praise his No 10, highlighting the 23-year-old's strength of character following criticism during the week. "He played a fantastic game," said Batista.

"We talked a lot about the emotional and individual state of the team before the match. We needed to regain our confidence. Lionel knows how to overcome these situations, he has great character."

Batista also spoke of the tactical changes he made before the pivotal Group A decider, which confirmed Argentina's passage to the last-eight behind Colombia in second place.u00a0 "We sought more penetration and bodies in attack," the coach explained.

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