Argentina became the first nation to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa America following a 1-0 win over Chile.
The defending champions were dominant throughout the game and Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez starred in Lionel Scaloni’s backline.
Martinez played 90 minutes and completed the most passes in the match (73), while his United team-mate Alejandro Garnacho did not feature off the bench.
Argentina will feel they should have won the game by a greater margin, with 22 shots aimed at Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. They also enjoyed 59% of the possession.
Man City striker Julian Alvarez and Fiorentina midfielder Nicolas Gonzalez tested Bravo early on. That set the tone for the rest of the game as Lionel Messi had Argentina’s best chance in the first half.
Bravo, 41, had eight saves to make in his 150th international appearance.
Speaking after the match, the former Man City goalkeeper said: “Losing this way leaves a bitter taste. We played against a tremendous opponent.”
Chile didn’t register their first attempt at goal until the 72nd minute when Rodrigo Echeverria forced Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to make a save.
With the game goalless heading towards stoppage-time, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in the 88thminute.
“We deserved the win. It was not an easy match,” Argentina coach Scaloni said. “We managed to win at the moment least expected.”
Argentina have one game to spare after guaranteeing a top-two finish in their group. They face Peru on Sunday.
Argentina favourites to win Copa America
There’s no doubt that Argentina remain the favourites. The defending champions’ path to the final doesn’t look like it will be problematic as Messi and co look to make it back-to-back Copas this summer.
The tournament started for Argentina with a 2-0 win over Canada, who have since recorded their maiden win at a Copa America.
(H3) Who do the bookmakers think will win Copa America 2024? (H3)
Argentina showed why they are the bookmakers’ favourites to win consecutive Copa Americas and they’ve got the stars to back it up. Often, bookmakers prefer to back Brazil, but the current crop of Argentina players have persuaded them to take a different stance. Another new stance is to use Skrill to make betting payments. If you want to find out how to benefit from being able to use Skrill to pay to bet on Argentina’s games, you can discover the Skrill betting sites by BetZillion.
Argentina haven’t been at their best but the world champions have shown glimpses of how dangerous they can be, particularly with Alvarez and Martinez joining Messi in attack.
In defence, Licha has been a wall and we just hope he can stay fit for the new season. The last thing United need is their best defender getting injured again.
Martinez and Garnacho react to win over Chile
Manchester United duo Martinez and Garnacho took to Instagram after the win over Chile.
Martinez wrote: “All together, all united!!! Come on damn!!!!”
Garnacho later replied to Martinez’s post, writing: “El 1.”
