Spurs’ Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero have helped Argentina to back-to-back Copa America victories.
It secures a hat-trick of major honors in a row for Romero, who was part of the successful World Cup 2022 winning side.
Unfortunately for Lo Celso, an untimely injury just a few weeks before the tournament ruled him out of the World Cup squad that he was nearly guaranteed to be a part of, and likely starting in.
Still, he was part of both Copa America squads either side of that World Cup and was also a part of the 2022 finalissima squad that defeated Italy 3-0 at Wembley.
Romero, once again, was a colossus at the back for Argentina and put in another top-class performance. The Spurs’ central defender made 5 clearances, 4 interceptions, blocked 2 shots, and had 3 tackles. He won 7/8 duels, including all 4 of his ground duels. He also showcased his ball-playing abilities with 4/4 long balls and created one chance.
It capped off a sublime tournament for Cuti. He had the highest rating of any defender at this year’s Copa America and the highest of any Argentina player overall, even one place above the legendary Lionel Messi.
With the format of this year’s Copa America going straight to the Quarter-Finals, and Romero being rested for the last group stage game – the Spurs defender only needed to play 5 games this time, and was able to avoid the injuries sustained at the previous Copa America and at the World Cup.
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Due to the aforementioned injury, Lo Celso has lost his place as a solidified starter for Argentina. Alexis Mac Allister came into the team at the World Cup and hasn’t done anything to lose his place in that time, with consistently superb performances. It was mentioned before though, that despite not starting in the final, Lo Celso could have an important role to play off the bench, especially if the game was to go to extra-time
Lo and behold (pardon the pun) Lo Celso did come off the bench, and the game did go to extra-time (Which go hand in hand as Lo Celso was an extra-time substitute), and Lo Celso did play a huge part. The Spurs midfielder teed up fellow substitute Lautaro Martinez to score the winner in the 112th minute to make sure the trophy would once again be coming back to Argentina.
Any Copa America trophy is huge, but this particular one had extra significance for two reasons. Firstly, it meant that Argentina became the second team, after Spain in 2008-2012, to win a threepeat of major trophies, with their continental trophy on either side of the World Cup.
Secondly, it meant that Argentina now has the outright most Copa Americas in history, having equaled Uruguay’s 15 successes in 2021, Argentina are now out on their own, being crowned champions of South America for the 16th time.
Many congratulations to both Romero and Lo Celso, who both played a major part in Argentina continuing to make history.
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Publish date : 2024-07-15 15:43:53
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