Lautaro Martínez’s goal in the 88th minute sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chile for defending champion Argentina, which yesterday gave them a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa América.
After a couple of rebounds following a corner kick taken by star Lionel Messi, Lautaro finished off a first-time right-footed shot to settle a very tight match.
Messi’s corner was initially handled by a Chilean defender and then by Bravo. The ball landed at the feet of Lautaro, who scored his second goal of the tournament.
The “Toro”’s 26th goal for the national team had to wait three minutes to be confirmed by the VAR.
“I stayed there and I was able to score. These games are like that, but we were able to win it,” said the top scorer in Serie A last season with Inter.
The night following his 37th birthday, Messi showed signs of physical discomfort following receiving a hard blow in the first half and his Argentina, although clearly dominant, were not at their best.
Bravo, who at 40 years old was Chile’s most outstanding figure, was not able to try a shot on goal until the 72nd minute.
The match was a sell-out affair, drawing 81,106 spectators to MetLife, the New Jersey stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup final.
Argentina has consolidated its position at the top of Group A, followed by Canada with three. Chile and Peru close with one each.
The Albiceleste will close the first phase once morest Peru outside Miami. At the same time, Canada will face Chile in Orlando.
Peru, on the canvas
Cornered following playing with fewer players for most of the second half, Peru lost 1-0 to Canada and was left with one foot out.
Jonathan David’s goal in the 74th minute on a counterattack sank Peru at Children’s Mercy Park Stadium in Kansas City.
David beat Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese with a right-footed shot from near the penalty spot. Canada’s first Copa America goal was a matter of three passes, first with Cyle Larin coming in, followed by Jacob Shaffelburg switching the front line to David on the right flank.
The bookshelf collapsed for Jorge Fossati’s team due to the expulsion of defender Miguel Araujo at the stroke of hour mark
Araujo was sent off for “excessive force” on Shaffelburg, a dismissal that was declared following the intervention of the VAR. Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar had initially shown a yellow card for the tackle.
Araujo’s expulsion came just when the Peruvians were approaching danger.— AP
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2024-07-08 16:55:12
