Argentina successfully gained revenge against Chile at the Copa America and became the first team to reach the quarter-finals. Canada made history in Kansas City
In 2016, Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile on penalties at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – and the miss-hit Lionel Messi subsequently announced his retirement. Eight years later, the two teams met again at the same venue, this time in the group stage, with a different outcome and, of course, with Messi returning to the national team just two months later.
On Wednesday night (CEST), the 37-year-old, who returned on Monday, beat Chile 1-0 with the Albiceleste to reach the quarter-finals after just their second group game – without losing a point and without conceding a goal. As in the 2-0 opening win against Canada, substitute Lautaro Martinez scored in the 88th minute. The attacker dusted off a Messi corner
Argentina on the brink of group victory – David’s historic goal
The reigning world champions had dominated the game beforehand, but had no luck with the finish. Messi hit the far post with a long-range shot (36′) and former Stuttgart player Nicolas Gonzalez, who started in place of Angel di Maria this time, was denied by veteran Claudio Bravo, who steered his shot onto the crossbar (61′). Bravo was also on hand to make another strong save in stoppage time, denying Martinez’s brace on the counter-attack
While Argentina are still one point away from winning the group, Chile need a win against Canada to reach the knockout stages after their meagre 0-0 draw against Peru in the group stage. For the time being, the Canadians are second behind Argentina. In Kansas City, the first goal was enough for the tournament debutants to secure their first victory at the Copa. Jonathan David made history when he scored at the end of a quick counter-attack to make it 1-0 against Peru (74′). Coach Jesse Marsch was also able to celebrate for the first time in his tenure.
Peru had weakened themselves when defender Miguel Araujo went recklessly into a tackle in the 59th minute and hit Jacob Shaffelburg full on the shin as well as the ball. After a VAR check, the yellow card that was initially shown was turned into a red card
The 40-year-old Guerrero misses the equalizer – assistant referee collapses
The Canadiens still had keeper Maxime Crepeau – Araujo’s team-mate at the Portland Timbers – to thank for the win. The 30-year-old, who had already driven Messi & Co. to despair at times in the opener, made several strong saves, including a free-kick from substitute and now 40-year-old former Bundesliga professional Paolo Guerrero at the end.
The match was overshadowed by an incident shortly before the break: assistant referee Humberto Panjoj from Guatemala collapsed in temperatures of almost 40 degrees and had to be taken to hospital.
