Argentina maintained their perfect start in Copa America 2024 with a 1-0 win over Chile. With this win, Argentina have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Copa America.
Argentina got off to a flying start creating chance after chance. Julian Alvarez came close to opening the scoring but his effort was saved by Claudio Bravo. Lionel Messi came closest to hitting the back of the net for Argentina but his shot rattled the post much to the frustration of La Albiceleste.
The second half was much of the same story. However, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was called into action saving twice from Rodrigo Echeverria in the second half.
Argentina were held until the 88th minute by Claudio Bravo. Lautaro Martinz broke the deadlock after Lionel Messi’s corner kick was partially cleared. The ball fell kindly for the Inter Milan striker who slotted home much to the relief of the La Albiceleste faithful.
Argentina’s celebrations were short-lived due to a VAR intervention but the goal was allowed to stand after a three-minute check.
Martinez also was on the scoresheet in their previous match against Canada. Argentina held on to the lead in the last few minutes to take a 1-0 win and book their place in the quarter-final with one group game still to play.
“These matches are always like this, we have to continue in the same way, treating the matches in this way, as they are all going to be complicated,” Martinez said after the match while talking to TyC Sports.
“Everything was tight, they set up lines of five at times. But we are happy that at the end of the day, we ended up taking the three points, which is what we wanted to start with.” he added.
Match Preview: Argentina Vs Peru
Argentina will play their final group game against Peru. As La Albiceleste are already through to the next round, Lionel Scaloni will look to make some changes in the starting eleven.
“Players who have not had a chance to play in the first two games will get a chance to play because I need to see them and because they deserve it,” Scaloni said.
Lionel Messi’s involvement in the game will be a major doubt as the forward suffered an injury to his upper right thigh. Although he played the game for the full 90 minutes, he is undergoing tests to determine the severity of the injury, according to the report by TyC Sports.
Argentina will play Peru on 29 June at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida. Peru desperately need a win in their last match as they sit bottom of Group A with one point.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
