Tim Howard
67
4
8.5
Excellent performance from the Everton keeper, who performed save after save to keep his side in touch. Could do nothing for the goal.
Jonathan Spector
Flop of the Match
9
26
4.5
A performance to forget – the left back could not handle the pace and potency of Messi and co. and was pulled off at the midway stage.
Oguchi Onyewu
12
13
6.0
Given the run-around in the first half, but improved after the break and made some big challenges. Still a little bit off the pace.
Jay DeMerit
9
8
6.0
Like his defensive partner did not enjoy the first 45 minutes, but eventually settled down and was solid.
Carlos Bocanegra
14
11
6.5
Suffered along with the rest of the defence against the Argentine attack, but played a decisive part in the equaliser.
Clint Dempsey
14
6
6.0
The USMNT’s main attacking threat in the first period, but faded after the break and was overshadowed by a young pretender.
Michael Bradley
17
8
6.5
Tried valiantly to stem the Albiceleste tide in midfield, and had some good moments late on as the USA battled back into the game.
Jermaine Jones
10
10
6.0
Shackled comprehensively by Javier Zanetti, but had a few moments of danger late on.
Maurice Edu
9
10
5.5
Another man given a thankless task in midfield – a bit further up than he usually plays, at that – and for much of the game failed to compete with the likes of Banega and Cambiasso.
Landon Donovan
22
6
6.5
A big game needed a big performance, but the LA Galaxy man was invisible for long stages of the encounter. His evening was saved by an excellent cross to provide the goal – worth the admission alone.
Jozy Altidore
13
9
5.5
Anonymous in the first half, and deservedly replaced. Not entirely his fault however as possession was scarce and the 4-5-1 doesn’t suit him.
• Substitutions
Argentina Argentina
Mariano Gonzalo Andújar
17
14
6.0
Saw little action as the play revolved around the US penalty area, but will be disappointed he couldn’t do more to keep out the goal.
Javier Adelmar Zanetti
46
4
7.0
His usual assured self, marshalling the right flank, and had his opposite number well under the thumb. Could have done more to support the Albiceleste attack at times.
Nicolas Andres Burdisso
13
17
5.5
Less than decisive in a number of situations, and struggled to contain Agudero when the explosive youngster came on at half time.
Gabriel Milito
13
17
6.5
Should have done better in marking the set piece which led to the equaliser, but otherwise a solid run out for the Barcelona man.
Faustino Marcos Alberto Rojo
23
8
7.0
The youngster did his chances no harm with an excellent attacking display, even if at times his enthusiasm got the best of him and he was caught up the field.
Ever Banega
46
5
7.5
The quiet engine man of the midfield, for 90 minutes most of the positive play emanating from the South Americans passed through his cultured feet.
Javier Mascherano
32
10
7.0
His ‘normal midfield destroyer’ skills were largely unnecessary as his team dominated possession, but had a decent match as the link between defence and midfield.
Esteban Matias Cambiasso
51
7
8.0
Scored the Argentines’ only goal with a thundering finish in the first half and got forward well, but blotted his copybook by squandering an excellent chance to put his side back in the lead.
Ángel Fabián Di María
38
10
7.0
At the same time exhilarating and frustrating to watch. Did brilliantly in pushing himself into attacking positions, but too often chose the wrong option when it counted.
Ezequiel Lavezzi
37
7
7.0
A more understated display from the Napoli man than some of his team mates, nevertheless El Pochi worked hard and was invaluable in playing in others.
Lionel Messi
Top of the Match
119
53
8.5
An out-of-this-world performance in the first half suggested that La Pulga was going to run off with the plaudits, but he couldn’t reproduce such a high level in the second and make the difference for his team.
