Argentina outlast spirited Canada in Copa America opener

ATLANTA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored second-half goals as defending champions Argentina began their Copa America defense with 2-0 victory over Canada here on Thursday.

Alvarez sent an angled finish into the far corner before Martinez put the result beyond doubt by slotting home after Lionel Messi's pass.

The final scoreline barely did justice to a spirited Canada outfit,