Argentina’s Stellar Performance Sends Canada Home in Copa América Semifinal
Argentina defeated Canada in an exciting semifinal of the Copa América 2024, ensuring its place in the final of the tournament. The match, played at MetLife Stadium, witnessed Argentine dominance led by Julián Álvarez and Lionel Messi, who scored the goals that sealed the victory.
Argentina, under the leadership of Lionel Scaloni, has once again demonstrated its ability to compete at the highest level. With a solid defense and an attack led by Messi and Álvarez, the albiceleste is emerging as one of the favorites to win the title. Canada, although eliminated, left a good impression in its first participation in the Copa América, showing that it has a promising future in international football.
First Half
From the first minute, Argentina demonstrated its intention to control the match. The first danger came in the 10th minute, when Ángel Di María sent a dangerous cross into the area, but the Canadian defense managed to clear it.
At 21 minutes, Julián Álvarez took advantage of a precise pass from Rodrigo de Paul to open the scoring with a powerful shot that beat goalkeeper Crepeau.
Canada was not far behind and in the 30th minute, Cyle Larin had a clear opportunity to tie, but his shot went wide. Argentina continued to press and Lionel Messi came close to increasing the lead in the 44th minute with a shot that brushed the post. With the score 1-0, both teams went to halftime.
Second Half
The second half began with Argentina determined to close the game. At 50 minutes, Messi took a corner kick that was cleared, but they quickly recovered the ball and Enzo Fernández shot from outside the area. The ball deflected off Messi and ended up in the back of the net, making the score 2-0.
Canada tried to react and in the 59th minute, Jonathan David had a clear opportunity, but Argentine defender Cristian Romero blocked his shot in spectacular fashion. In the 67th minute, Alphonso Davies suffered an injury that forced his replacement, which further affected the Canadian team’s aspirations.
Final minutes
In the final minutes, Argentina made several changes to maintain control of the game. Rodrigo de Paul was key in the midfield, winning fouls and managing the pace of the match. Canada had its last chance in the 89th minute, when Tani Oluwaseyi headed a cross into the box wide.
With four minutes of added time, Argentina secured their victory and MetLife Stadium was filled with chants of “Muchachos.” As the referee signaled the end of the match, the Argentine team celebrated its place in the final of the Copa América 2024.
Highlighted Moments
- 21′: Goal by Julián Álvarez after a pass from Rodrigo de Paul.
- 44′: Lionel Messi’s shot that passed near the post.
- 50′: Goal by Lionel Messi after deflecting a shot from Enzo Fernández.
- 67′: Injury to Alphonso Davies that forces him to leave the field.
- 89′: Tani Oluwaseyi’s deflected header that could have been the discount for Canada.
Argentina celebrated with fervor their qualification to the final, and the fans are eagerly awaiting the next challenge on their way to the title: they will have to face the victor of this Wednesday’s match between Uruguay and Colombia, both brave squads that have earned the merits to be in the semifinals.