For the second date of group A of the Copa América 2024, Chile faced Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Those led by Ricardo Gareca did not have a good first half and, when he became emboldened, he found himself with an unfair goal from Lautaro Martínez at the end of the match.
Claudio Bravo (7.0): He took it upon himself to put any doubts about his performance to oblivion. The captain of the Chilean team contributed with solvency and calmness, but also with two tremendous saves. First, he drowned out Nahuel Molina’s goal cry at 49′ and at 60 minutes, he excelled with a tremendous block on Nicolás González who, later, found the post. In the goal, he was notable in the first instance, but he could do nothing against Lautaro Martínez’s point-blank shot. If Chile did not lose by more goals, it was exclusively thanks to him because he was remarkable in avoiding another conquest by the Inter Milan man.
Mauritius Island (4.5): Very attentive to Nicolás González and Tagliafico, Huaso could not project itself in attack, although it fulfilled its defense. Of course, one of the most dangerous attacks by the Argentines came from their side, when Nicolás González demanded Claudio Bravo’s gloves. La Roja needed it on the offensive and, proof of this, is that the first one that Chile had, only at 72′, was due to a projection on its side, a question that was repeated a few minutes later. He left at 86′.
Paulo Díaz (5.8): Criterious, sober and compliant. He is more like Paulo Díaz of River Plate being a leader in the Chilean last line. Although the trans-Andeans had a couple of chances, he responded when he was required.
Igor Lichnovsky (5.8): Solvent match of the América defender. Always standing well, he knew how to respond when the Argentines pressed and attacked. Although he suffered a little when he had to run against his goal, he knew how to rise to the occasion against the forwards of the world champion team.
Gabriel Suazo (5.5): Participatory. It was always a pass option for Claudio Bravo’s departure. Crititious with the ball and with great projection in attack, having a particular duel with Rodrigo De Paul. In the second half he felt the rigor of the game and with the minutes, his level decreased. He was in charge of containing Nahuel Molina’s attacks, a job that he achieved to the extent possible.
Erick Pulgar (3.5): Under the Flamengo midfielder’s match. He could not be the ideal partner for Echeverría and constantly failed to deliver. Although he improved in the second half, he could not gravitate and be important in the transitions from defense to attack. He came out at 76′.
Rodrigo Echeverría (6.0): One of the best in Chile. In charge of being Messi’s first obstacle, the Chilean ran the middle well, harassing the trans-Andean star and forcing him to go to the shores. He was encouraged to go on the attack and had the goal on two occasions, but he was met with an incredible response from Dibu Martínez.
Dario Osorio (4.8): In the first period, he was never able to connect in the game and wandered through the attack without being able to unbalance. In the second half he gained confidence and the team noticed it. He commanded the main dangerous charges of the national team and even dared to launch some luxuries that were useful to surprise the rival defense.
Victor Dávila (4.8): A disorganized first half. He didn’t adapt to the field and couldn’t find his footing with his teammates, hindering the flow of the ball through that part of the field. In the second half, he participated more and raised his level together with Darío Osorio. He looked more comfortable without Alexis Sánchez, with whom he clashed constantly.
Alexis Sánchez (2.0): Lost. He was never able to take control of the Chilean attack and constantly retreated to the line of defenders to be able to be the protagonist, but without clarity. In the second half he became a little more lively, but it was not enough. Totally lacking. He was substituted at 65′ and, incredibly, the team looked better.
Eduardo Vargas (4.8): Castaway in the first half. She suffered with loneliness and a midfield that was somewhat disjointed. In the second half, he associated himself more with his teammates, being a pivot and dragging markers to allow the midfielders to arrive from behind. He didn’t score, but he was important in that job. He left at 86′.
Marcos Bolados (4.5): He entered at 65 minutes to replace Alexis Sánchez and the team showed a better face. Although he did not directly influence, he helped the team gain depth. He lost a ball that ended in the corner kick that meant the trans-Andean goal, although he was the victim of a foul, which the referee did not see.
Marcelino Núñez (4.5): He came on at 76 for Erick Pulgar and immediately wanted to make a difference with a mid-distance shot that demanded a response from Martínez. Afterwards, he didn’t come into play much more.
Ben Brereton: He came on in the 86th minute for Eduardo Vargas, but was unable to contribute in the short time he was on the field.
Nicolas Fernandez: He came on in the 86th minute for Mauricio Isla and he didn’t make any difference either. He was only seen in the play that led to the goal, where he suffered from being marked by an Argentine who didn’t let him cross the offside line.
