Martino feels 'joy and peace' after Argentina win

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said he felt "joy and peace" after his side finally recorded their first victory in World Cup qualifying by beating Colombia on Tuesday.

Lucas Biglia's 20th-minute strike was the difference in Barranquilla as the 2014 runners-up secured their first win on the road to Russia 2018.

Argentina had made a winless start to qualifying, with an opening loss to Ecuador followed by back-to-back draws against Paraguay and Brazil, and Martino admitted the victory eased the pressure on the team.

"I feel joy and peace that we extended what we did with Brazil," Martino told reporters. "We had one less day of rest and played in an oppressive climate.

"If we had lost people would say that the players ran less and did not support the coach, but that was not the case.