Argentina-Canada: Argentina 5-0 Canada Player Ratings

Starters:

Sergio Romero (5)—A complete spectator. Had nothing to do.

Jonas Gutierrez (8)—Maradona put him at right back, and the Newcastle man was full of running for all 90 minutes. Linked up very well with Maxi and Tevez down the right. A workhorse and a starter in South Africa without a doubt.

Otamendi (6)—Just his seventh cap, was rarely tested at the defensive end, but when called upon he showed confidence. Very comfortable on the ball.

Nicolas Burdisso (6)—Like Otamendi, deputized for an absent starter and did not disappoint, although to be fair had very little do.

Gabriel Heinze (6.5)—Got forward and saw a fair amount of time on the ball. Showed a good understanding with Di Maria. Will not play as far up the pitch against stronger opposition next month.

Javier Mascherano (7.5)—Broke up the few counterattacks attempted by the Canadians and also recovered the ball well. Blasted a long range shot well over the bar on one of his few forays up field.

Angel Di Maria (9)—Full of his usual dribbling wizardry. Won a few corners down the left hand side before scoring with a wonderful left-footed effort from outside the penalty box. He was at the heart of Argentina’s best moves and set up Kun Aguero for Argenitna’s fifth. Additionally, he set up Palermo at the 84 minute, but the Boca man missed a wide-open header with the goal at his mercy.

Maxi Rodriguez (8)—Scored off a venomous free-kick, though a top level keeper would've probably saved it. Kept his cool in front of goal after Tevez laid the ball into his path for Argentina’s second. Limped off right before half time after suffering a knock.

Javier Pastore (7)—Won his first cap and looked very comfortable in the play-making position. Tried a spectacular overhead kick early on and had a header cleared off the line. Will have a hard time breaking into the starting eleven, but will be an intriguing option for Maradona off the bench.

Carlos Tevez (9)—Full of running and creativity, Tevez looks like he will win a starting position for Argentina or at least die trying. Unselfishly set up Maxi for Argentina’s second goal. Scored on a tap after nice work from Higuain. A great performance by the Manchester City man.

Gonzalo Higuain (7)—Did not see much of the ball, but was a constant threat when he did. Linked up decently well with Tevez, and sprung the counter attack that led to Maxi’s second. His finishing let him down early in the second half, but laid a perfect pass for Tevez to score Argentina’s fourth.

Subs: 

Veron (7.5)—Came in at halftime and conducted the team well, spraying passes for Higuain, Tevez, and Di Maria to run onto. Always looked in control of the match and was an outlet for his teammates on every possession. 

Bolatti (4)—Came on just before the hour mark for Mascherano and immediately gave more space to Canada in midfield. Off target on a number of passes as well. Very poor.

Clemente Rodriguez (5)—Brought on to attack and got forward without any effectiveness. Like his defensive teammates, was not very busy at the back.

Martin Palermo (4)—Came in for Higuain just before 70 minutes. He barely touched the ball, except a clear chance he missed after a brilliant pass from Di Maria.

Kun Aguero (8.5)—Scored an absolute Golazo just seconds after coming in. Showed his crafty dribbling but could not add to the rout. 

Ariel Garce (5)—Maradona's controversial choice over Javier Zanetti, Garce came in late and had little to do in defense.