Argentina and Ecuador have entered the interval tied at 1-1 in a rainswept friendly at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Gerardo Martino's side took less than 10 minutes to break the deadlock, Javier Pastore flicking on a corner for an unmarked Sergio Aguero to head home at the back post.
Argentina peppered the Ecuador end with chances after taking the lead and should have doubled their advantage in the 14th minute when Angel di Maria blazed an effort over the bar from 15 yards out after Aguero scuffed a shot in front of goal.
Ecuador soon settled into the match and hit back in the 24th minute through Miler Bolanos, who latched on to a cross from Walter Ayovi and beat Sergio Romero in the Argentina goal after taking a deft first touch.
Sloppiness crept into Argentina's game and they almost came undone again in the 32nd minute as Felipe Caicedo raced through on goal, only to be beaten in a one-on-one situation by the onrushing Romero.
With half time fast approaching, Martino's men returned to the front foot and nearly took the lead three minutes before the break as Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez pulled off a reaction save to thwart Federico Mancuello at close range and keep the score at 1-1.
Mark Langshaw
