Argentina football team: One step closer to the Copa America cup

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Argentina football team: One step closer to the Copa America cup

The second semi-final match of the 2021 Copa America between Argentina and Colombia was kicked off at 22:00 local time (01:00 GMT) at the Estadio Mané Garrincha in Brasilia on Tuesday, July 6th, 2021. Argentina won 3-2 on penalties to gain the other spot playing against Brazil in the final game on July 11th. 

Argentina defeated Colombia in the 2021 Copa America semi-final

Argentina go through to the 2021 Copa America Final 

Entering the semifinal match, the Argentine team squad played better and quickly opened the score 1-0 in the 7th minute thanks to the shot in the penalty area of striker Lautaro Martinez, after the impressive assistance from captain Lionel Messi. 

Colombia immediately gained the initiative and launched an onslaught, driving the Argentine players deep into their own field. 

In the second half, Colombia continued to play closely and was willing to commit fouls to hamper Argentina's players. Messi was frequently beaten down, and he had to play with a bleeding ankle for the majority of the second half. In the 61st minute, Luis Diaz caught Cardona’s long pass and skillfully finished from a narrow-angle to knock down goalie Emiliano Martinez and brought the match back to the starting line. Some opportunities were made for both teams but the last result is still a 1-1 draw. 

Because Copa America games have no extra time (except for the final), the two teams went straight to the penalty shootouts. Colombia had the right to kick first but they only kicked in 2 per 5 shots while Argentina has 3 per 4 kick-ins.

The Argentina team had to suffer a lot but their efforts were compensated by a 3-2 win on penalties over Colombia after a thrilling 1-1 draw. That also means the Albiceleste will face the host team Brazil in the final game. This is the opportunity for the team to equal the record of 15 Copa America championships with Uruguay if they win the final. 

Argentina will play against Brazil in the 2021 Copa America Final

Best players in the Argentina team in the Copa Ameria 2021 semi-final

Forward Lionel Messi

At the age of 34, Messi is still the best football player in the world with numerous impressive achievements for Barcelona FC. However, he has not had any title with the Argentina national football team. This Copa season is a golden chance for this attacker to find the first title with his homeland team. 

In this semi-final game, Messi played in a brilliant style. He assisted Lautaro Martinez to score the only goal for the Albiceleste in the 7th minute. He was then surrounded by Colombian players and could not find the back to the net during the whole game. After the tackle of Frank Fabra, Messi was on the ground in pain but that did not stop him from continuing the match. He played with his bleeding ankle during the game. In the penalty shootouts, Messi also kicked in the first shot for Argentina and helped the team gain balance with Colombia. 

Argentina has scored 11 goals at the Copa America 2021 and every single one of them has Lionel Messi involved. The dedications of this talented captain are always highly appreciated. 

Lionel Messi

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez

Emiliano Martinez was the first-choice goalkeeper for the national squad despite making his senior debut only in 2021. This 28-year-old became Argentina’s hero after he successfully pushed three per four penalties from Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina, and Edwin Cardona. Thanks to that, Argentina ensured their qualification for the final. 

Emiliano Martinez

Forward Lautaro Martinez

Lautaro Martinez has been named Argentina's choice no.9 for the Copa America 2021, ahead of Sergio Aguero, who had more experience. After a slow beginning of the tournament, Martinez is now brightening. He has had 3 goals in the whole competition and has been the second-best goalscorer of Argentina, only behind Lionel Messi. 

The 23-year-old scored the only goal for the Argentina team in the semifinal after catching the assisting volley from Messi. The manager Lionel Scaloni’s trust in him has been vindicated. 

Lautaro Martinez

Reference Sources

• Betimate.com