Goals from Sergio Aguero and Javier Pastore have given Argentina a 2-1 victory over Ecuador at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

It took Argentina less than 10 minutes to break the deadlock as Aguero headed home from close range after Pastore had flicked on a corner at the near post.

Gerardo Martino's side dominated for much of the first half, but wasted a good chance to double their advantage when Angel di Maria fired over the crossbar after Aguero had miscued a shot.

Ecuador responded well to the early pressure to get back on level terms through Miler Bolanos, who collected a cross from Walter Ayovi before beating Sergio Romero with a calm finish.

Felipe Caicedo could have handed Ecuador the lead after beating the offside trap with a clever run, but Romero came off his line quickly to block an effort from the forward.

Argentina started the second half brightly, with Di Maria going close twice more as he sliced wide at the near post before sending a strike just over from the edge of the box.

The lead was Argentina's once again before the hour mark as Lucas Biglia head the ball back into the danger zone after Ecuador had failed to clear a cross, and Pastore kept his composure to slot home.

Martino watched his side dominate after regaining the lead, and they came agonisingly close to scoring a third when Aguero sprinted clear before dragging a shot just past the post.