ATLANTA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni praised his team's ability to respond under pressure after a 2-0 victory over Canada in their Copa America opener on Thursday.
The reigning World Cup and Copa America champions withstood a combative first-half display from the 48th-ranked Les Rouges before second-half goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez ended any chance of a shock result.
"The important thing is that the team always responds, no matter what the game is like," Scaloni told a news conference after the match at Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta.
"This team generates scoring opportunities and defends like lions," he added.
In addition to their high-pressing, Canada threatened in attack with Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Stephen Eustaquio each having clear scoring chances in the first half.
"As a negative aspect, I am left with the chances they created," Scaloni said. "We will analyze them in detail later. Winning always reinforces a lot of things. Yesterday I said that Canada was a tough opponent and, just as we thought, it was a good test."
Argentina's next opponent in the continental tournament will be Chile in New Jersey on June 25 while Canada will face Peru in Kansas City the same day. ■
