JABAR TIMES, JAKARTA – Argentina began their journey to defend the championship trophy in Copa America 2024 with a convincing 2-0 victory against Canada on Friday (6/21/2024).
Playing in front of thousands of packed spectators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Team Tango took control of the match from the opening minutes.
Even though it controlled the match, Argentina, which threatened several times through the actions of its captains Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez, failed to beat Canadian goalkeeper Max Crépeau.
Meanwhile, Canada did not remain silent and made several threats thanks to the efforts of Alphonso Davies, Liam Millar and Tajon Buchanan.
Canada’s best chance came late in the match when Stephen Eustaquio’s header met Cyle Larin’s cross, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was quick to push it away.
After the first half ended scoreless, Argentina stepped on the accelerator in the second half and immediately broke the deadlock after just four minutes.
Messi sent a pass to Alexis Mac Allister which was blocked by Crépeau, but the wild ball was immediately seized by Alvarez who put it into the Canadian goal.
The goal sparked the spirits of Canada, who looked more attacking, but they failed to take advantage of a number of chances they had.
Meanwhile, Argentina itself had several good opportunities thanks to Messi’s actions, but the Inter Miami striker failed to seize them.
However, Messi helped Argentina secure victory in the 2024 Copa America opener when his 88th-minute pass was perfectly completed by substitute Lautaro Martinez.
| Journalist | |
| : Sholihin Nur | Editor |
: Ronny Wicaksono
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