That’s it. Argentina fulfilled its first objective in the Copa América: it reached the quarterfinals. It was after the tight 1-0 against Chile, with a goal from Lautaro Martínez a few minutes from the end. Ricardo Gareca’s team was a thorn in the side for the Scaloneta, which did not find the formula for victory until the appearance of the Bull. Below, the five keys to victory for the world champions.
Lautaro Martínez became, once again, the savior of the National Team. In the debut against Canada he closed the game with a 2-0 lead after Messi’s assist. And tonight, in New Jersey, he was the one who unlocked the game after finding a loose ball inside the area. He had the chance to score the second, but Claudio Bravo came alive and scored the saving blow. The Inter striker came in very well, crying out for a starting position.
Emiliano Martínez is a guarantee. He once again finished with an undefeated record and has now played 30 games without being converted in 41 appearances with the National Team. At MetLife, when Argentina seemed resigned to the tie, he had two fundamental blocks, both against Rodrigo Echeverría, the Huracán midfielder.
Lionel Messi did not have his best game at MetLife in New Jersey. At 22 minutes he felt a puncture in his right adductor and was treated by kinesiologist Luis García. It was believed that he was going to leave, but he held out until the end of the game. He felt it was far from the best version of him, but it still ended up being fundamental. It’s about the end, after avoiding taking free kicks and corners, he tried an Olympic goal that Bravo cleared. And in the next one, he kicked again from the corner and from there came Lautaro Martínez’s goal after a short clearance by Bravo..
Rodrigo De Paul had a phenomenal display. He started as a midfielder on the right, but moved throughout the field and it was he who pulled the strings of the team in the “absence” of Messi.
Lionel Scaloni tried with De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández and Nicolás González. Those who went for the wings complied, but the double five did not fully take hold. Enzo, lacking football after the operation, left his place to Lo Celso, who did not fit in at all well. The coaching staff has a task because the Qatari Ferraris have not yet found the best set-up.
