Player Ratings: Argentina 4-1 Spain

Made one astonishing save from Cazorla, and had little to feel bad about on the goal. Overall solid

Great play to cross for Aguero's strike, but late struggles against Navas still raise doubts over his effectiveness as an top-class full back

Mostly solid but guilty of slack marking a handful of times, most notably with the goal

Much improved from the Micho we saw at the World Cup, assured at the back and very comfortable with playing the ball out of defence

As always, most effective when not even noticed. Showed little in attack but played Iniesta out of the game in the first half. Good return to the international fold

Given the support of Banega and Cambiasso the captain was twice the player of the one who struggled alone against the German tide.

Showed Argentine fans what they missed in South Africa with tough tackling, flawless passing and an unerring knack of when to release the players further up the pitch

Imperious with the ball in the first half, but struggled somewhat after half time as Spain rediscovered their merciless pressing game.

Did exactly what he is in the team to do with an inspiring mix of play from the head and heart. Played in Messi and Higuain for the first two, before his refusal to give up a lost cause got him on the scoresheet for the third. Only an early miss to blot the copybook. Taken off on the hour

Largely invisible for much of the game, but blessed with the striker's instinct of being there when a goal is on the line. Only denied a second by a Valdes wonder save

As with Monreal, too often left watching as play surged past the full backs. Opened up late on for the fourth goal

Given a thankless task marking a fluid front line, and was not up to the job

As the senior member of an unfamiliar Roja backline needed to set an example, but was too often left flat-footed by a lightning quick Argentina attack

A nightmare task for the youngster in only his fourth Spain appearance, given the run around by Tevez in the first half

Passed the ball well and tried to anchor midfield, but no match for Mascherano and co. in the first half midfield battle. Subbed after 70 minutes

Largely ineffective as the Roja midfield were put in the unfamiliar position of second best. Afforded Messi far too much space to surge from deep

Tireless in chasing and coming forward, and did his best to assert himself against the impressive Cambiasso. Subbed after 57 minutes

Almost invisible out on the left as Banega and Zanetti pushed him out of the game. Subbed at half time

Equally anonymous out on the right as Iniesta, as Heinze shackled him effectively. Subbed at half time

Spain's best player while he was on the pitch, hit the woodwork twice from long range as he was denied the ball in the area. Subbed at half time