The game slowed down after Argentina got a hold of the game. Argentina patiently and slowly cut open the Canadian defense, often passing it around the backline and sniffing out opportunities. Argentina preferred to slowly draw Canada out with their slow build-up, and then attack. It helped them draw time off the clock.
Argentina’s second strike came through Messi himself. After halftime, Messi took the ball on the right wing before playing it to De Paul. De Paul reached the byline and cut the ball back to Messi, but Ismael Kone made a smart interception. But, Kone’s clearance landed right at Enzo Fernandez’s feet. Fernandez fired a shot on goal, but Messi’s flick helped thoroughly beat Canada keeper Maxime Crepeau.
The game looked all but finished as Emiliano Martinez came up with another save after his penalty heroics against Ecuador. After a clumsy giveaway, the ball worked its way to Tani Oluwaseyi. Oluwaseyi launched his shot on goal, but Martinez deflected the ball with his feet before collecting the ball. Only minutes later, Oluwaseyi connected with a Jonathan Osorio cross, but he steered his header narrowly wide of the post.
An emotional Martinez, with the Argentine flag dyed into his hair, lifted his hands to the sky and collapsed. Relief and fatigue washed over the Argentine squad, who will earn five days of rest until the final.
They’ll learn about their opponents in the finals on Wednesday. Argentina will either face Colombia, who hasn’t lost since March 2022, or Uruguay, their fierce derby rivals. Either way, it promises to be thrilling, intense, and vital for the Argentine core’s legacy.
Yes, I am aware that these are the last battles… I am enjoying them to the fullest,” a grinning Messi admitted. “It’s not easy to be in a final again. We need to enjoy, enjoy every moment.”
PHOTOS: IMAGO
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/amp/copa-america/argentina-dominates-canada-en-route-to-copa-america-final/
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Publish date : 2024-07-09 23:50:34
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