Howard saves help U.S. hold Argentina

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Goalkeeper Tim Howard produced a string of first-half saves to help United States hold Argentina to a goalless draw in a full-bloodied friendly on Sunday.

U.S. midfielder Pablo Mastroeni and Argentina's Javier Mascherano were sent off in a fiery second half of a game which either side could have won.

Both teams were warming up for World Cup qualifiers later this month.

The U.S. face Barbados in a two-leg second preliminary round CONCACAF tie while Argentina host Ecuador and visit arch-rivals Brazil in the South American group.

Argentina went into the game on the back of a 4-1 win over Mexico while the U.S. had lost to England and Spain in their last two games without scoring.

In front of a packed Giants stadium, Argentina's best first half chances fell to Julio Cruz but the Inter Milan player was repeatedly frustrated by Howard.

Cruz broke down the left in the fourth minute but his shot was stopped by Howard, who also thwarted his attempt to chip the ball in from the rebound.

An incisive through ball from Lionel Messi sent Cruz clear but this time Howard came charging out and saved with his leg.

Cruz was foiled again by Howard just before halftime as he latched onto another Messi pass.

The U.S. also had their chances, Clint Dempsey going close with a deflected shot and Heath Pearce testing Roberto Abbondanzieri with a long-range effort.

Argentina lost their shine after Messi was taken off at halftime and rarely threatened in the second half.

The hosts were unlucky not to go ahead when Mastroeni headed against the crossbar three minutes after the restart.

Mastroeni was sent off in the 71st minute, apparently for dissent, and Liverpool's Mascherano followed in the 87th minute for a bad tackle on Freddy Adu.

(Writing by Brian Homewood in Rio de Janeiro; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)