At the Metlife Stadium in the United States of America, World Champions Argentina picked up their second win of the 2024 Copa Ameria after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Chile, which has seen them qualify for the knockout stages of the competition after amassing 6 points from two games, thus far.
The La Albiceleste of Argentina displayed great teamwork by keeping possession in the first minute of the game, making it difficult for the opposition players to intercept at that moment. The Argentines attempted 13 goal-scoring opportunities and had 3 shots at goal in the first half.
The game became quite physical as Mauricio Isla of Chile went down injured in the 6th minute, while Lionel Messi was also hit with a knock in the 25th minute. Just a few minutes later, Gabriel Sauzo of Chile also forced the referee to halt the game as he invited the medics onto the pitch to grant medical attention to the player.
In the second half, Atletico Madrid’s defender and Argentine man Nahuel Molina nearly scored the opening goal when he fizzed a shot towards the right goal post, but thanks to the brilliance of Chile’s goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo – who pulled off a brilliant save to deny Argentina the opener.
Nicholas Gonzalez came close to scoring in the 61st minute but his effort was denied by the crossbar as the game remained deadlocked (0-0). Rodrigo Echeverria came close to scoring for Chile but his effort was massively saved by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
In the 81st minute, Argentina scored the only goal of the game after substitute Lautaro Martinez scored from a rebound but referee Andres Matias Matonte halted the celebrations as he has been called by the VAR to review the goal.
After review, the goal stood, making it 1-0 for La Albiceleste of Argentina. After 90+5 minutes of play, Argentina emerged 1-0 winners over Chile with 51% of the ball possession against 49% for Chile. Argentina will take on Peru in the final group game of the 2024 Copa America before the knockout stages.
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Story by: David Kwaku Dzaku| univers.ug.edu.gh
