Espanyol celebrate centenary with 2-0 win over Argentina
Nov 15th, 99
BARCELONA, (Reuters) - Espanyol celebrated their
centenary in style on Sunday with a stirring 2-0 victory over
the Argentine national team.
The Barcelona-based side, playing in front of a 53,000
capacity crowd at their Montjuic Olympic stadium, had goals from
Martin Posse and Roger Garcia to thank for their win against an
under-strength Argentina.
The game was preceded by a parade of former players,
including the Argentine-born former Spanish international
Alfredo di Stefano, while a firework display greeted the final
whistle.
In between, there was much for the Espanyol supporters to be
happy about as they dominated the game.
Posse, himself an Argentine, opened the scoring on 17
minutes, bundling in a Sergio Gonzalez cross at the second
attempt after Real Mallorca goalkeeper German Burgos had saved
the first effort.
Posse then missed two clear chances before Argentina
responded, Santiago Solari heading just over from a couple of
metres out.
Former Barcelona midfielder Roger -- who played against
Brazil at the Nou Camp last season in his former club's
centenary match -- made it 2-0 on the hour mark, sweeping in low
from 15 metres with Burgos unsighted.
Argentina have more serious business on Wednesday, when they
take on the Spanish national side in Seville.
Espanyol:
Argentina:
Goals: Martin Posse 17', Roger Garcia 60'
Mora; Cristóbal, Rotchen, Lopo, Navas; Sergio (Santis), Galca, Arteaga (Javier Lopez), Roger (Molnar); Posse (Gerard), Serrano (Casartelli). Coach: Miguel Brindisi.
Burgos; Vivas, Pochettino, Berizzo; Husain, Almeyda, González (Zanetti), Gallardo (Ortega); López, Crespo, Solari (Claudio Lopez). Coach: Marcelo Bielsa.