Argentina began their defense as Copa America champions on Thursday night, beating Canada 2-0 in a thrilling match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
It was a very balanced first half with Jesse Marsch Canada devised a clever game plan to neutralise Argentina's attacks and put them under pressure in their own half with quick attacking moves.
Julian Alvarez scores first goal of Copa America 2024
The second half was different, however, and it took just four minutes for Julian Alvarez to score the first goal of the match.
Lionel Messi played a wonderful through pass to Alexis Mac Allisterwho pushed the ball to Alvarez on his right as the keeper rushed in. All Alvarez had to do was place it at full speed at the near post.
He did, and it led to a series of chances for Argentina, and Messi in particular. But Messi didn't have his finishing boots This evening.
He I missed two big chancesbut he made up for it with the assist on Argentina's second goal and the final goal that ended the match.
Argentina made a superb comeback from the back, stringing together passes quickly and efficiently. Messi played the final ball to Lautaro Martinezwho calmly pushed him back in front of the keeper.
Argentina starts its tournament with 3 points and will play against fierce rivals Chile then, on June 25 has MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Source link: https://www.marca.com/en/football/copa-america/2024/06/21/6674e6c022601d6e248b4596.html