Goals from Sergio Aguero and Erik Lamela have given Argentina a 2-0 lead at half time in a re-run of the World Cup final against Germany in Berlin.
La Albiceleste had the lead when Angel di Maria's inviting pass found Aguero, and the Manchester City striker made no mistake as he converted from close range after beating the offside trap on 20 minutes.
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Moments later the home side were nearly back in it but Julian Draxler couldn't convert after a mistake from Martin Demichelis in the Argentina defence.
Mario Gomez, who had been recalled to the squad following his omission from the World Cup, wasted a good chance to get his side back in it when he fired straight at Sergio Romero just before the half-hour mark.
Minutes later Di Maria, who enjoyed a fine first half, nearly doubled the lead when he cut inside and hit a shot that forced Manuel Neuer into an impressive stop.
Five minutes before the break, Tottenham Hotspur winger Lamela doubled the lead for the South Americans when he hammered in a volley from Di Maria's chipped pass.
Gomez wasted another chance at the death of the half as he miscued his effort with the goal at his mercy.
Paul Gorst
