The Argentine National Team achieved an important victory in his debut in the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024. Canada was a tough rival against whom Albiceleste It was difficult for him due to the shortcomings and problems he revealed. What does Lionel Scaloni’s team have to improve?
It seems unbelievable, but Argentina’s debuts, with Scaloni as coach, had not been positive since the result. Against Canada, managed to break a negative streak: had not been able to win the first match of the 2019 Copa América (0-2 against Colombia) and the 2021 edition (1-1 draw against Chile), in addition to the remembered debut in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (2-1 defeat against Arabia Saudi).
However, things didn’t go well at all. The victory, deserved in general terms, left some worrying issues. Beyond the complaints that there were about the grass at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where Lionel Messi, Dibu Martínez and even Lionel Scaloni demonstrated, the team left some concern about some weak points.
Canada’s approaches and finishes
During some sections of the match, the Argentine National Team could not find answers. This allowed Canada can fight him as equals and even had some important approximations. According to data from Opt, He managed to kick the goal only twice, but had 10 dangerous chances.
If they had better effectiveness, the Canadian team could have put the Albiceleste in trouble. The expected goals (expected goals) of Jesse Marsch’s team were 1.17, that is, could have scored at least one goal. With a more insightful center forward, perhaps the story would have been different.
To continue with Canada’s attack data, they had 7 shots in the first half. It is the highest record for a rival of the Argentine National Team since November 2021, in the remembered match against Uruguay with a 1-0 victory with a goal from Ángel Di María.
A weak game by Nahuel Molina on the right side
The right back was a problem for the Argentine National Team. Nahuel Molina He did not arrive at this Copa América with the best physical condition nor with the best level. His season at Atlético de Madrid was complicated, suffering criticism and ups and downs. And she felt.
He had to deal with the most difficult player in Canada, Alphonso Davies, a footballer with power, acceleration and speed rarely seen. Even with the marked plan of Jesse Marsch’s team, strengthening that sector with the footballer of the Bayern Munich, Molina suffered. If another rival wants to exploit that band and there is no improvement, Argentina will have a bad time again.
Argentina gave up possession in the last 15 minutes
A fact from Opta to take into account and that also explains why the last minutes were suffered. Between the 75th and 90th minutes, possession of the ball was even: Canada had 49 percent against Argentina’s 51. In this sense, it may be that the National Team has felt tired.
When does the Argentine National Team play again for the Copa América 2024?
The Argentine National Team will have its second match in group A of the Copa América 2024 next Tuesday, June 25. They will face Chile at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey starting at 8:00 p.m.
