Argentina open with an emphatic 3-0 over Algeria

Argentina began the defence of their title with authority. La Albiceleste beat Algeria 3-0 at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, one of the loudest venues in the United States with a capacity of around 69,000, a comfortable win that puts them top of Group J from the opening matchday.

The world champions controlled the tempo from start to finish. With their trademark mastery of possession and the composure only teams used to winning possess, Argentina managed the rhythm of the game and built their lead without alarms. Their defensive solidity, moreover, let them close the contest with a clean sheet.

Algeria, who had hoped to spring a surprise, barely threatened. The African side ran into a disciplined, ruthless Argentina that gave nothing away and dealt with every attempt with assurance. The 3-0 fairly reflects the gulf on the pitch.

The result reinforces the team's good feelings at the start of the tournament and cements their status as major favourites. Argentina lead Group J, which they share with Algeria, Austria and Jordan. On the same matchday, Austria beat Jordan 3-1 at Santa Clara's Levi's Stadium, setting them up as a direct rival in the fight for top spot.

The three-goal margin is no minor detail. In the 48-team format, where goal difference can decide which teams advance as best third-placed sides, starting with a wide win is a bonus for the final reckoning of the group stage.

With this emphatic 3-0, Argentina confirm they have arrived in flying form and bank three valuable points in a group where they aim to seal qualification early. The goal, of course, goes far further: La Albiceleste want to retrace the path that took them to the summit and have no intention of easing off in any match.

Argentina's fans, always present in numbers wherever their team plays, filled the Kansas City stands with colour and celebrated a solid debut. The next test will tell whether the team keeps up the level, but the start could hardly have been more convincing.