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NEW JERSEY, WEDNESDAY — Two goals from forward Julian Alvarez and captain Lionel Messi helped Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the semifinals of the Copa America on Wednesday (7/10/2024) at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, the United States. Argentina also reached the 30th final in the 48 editions of the continental tournament since 1916, the oldest in the world.

In the final, Argentina faced the winners of Colombia and Uruguay. If they meet Uruguay, it will be the 194th meeting between the two South American giants who both hold a record 15 collections in the Copa America. If you face Colombia, who are also members of CONMEBOL, it will be the 43rd meeting in international matches.

The 2-0 victory mirrored the same scoreline as Argentina crushed Canada in the opening match of Group A. In the opening match, the goals came from striker Julian Alvarez in the 49th minute and substitute striker Lautaro Martinez in the 88th minute.

In the second leg of the semi-final, the first goal was scored in the 22nd minute by Alvarez. He superbly controlled a cross from midfielder Rodrigo de Paul in the penalty area. Alvarez eluded defender Moise Bambito to fire a low shot into the middle of the goal and beat goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.

Also read: Argentina vs Canada, Beware of the “Messiah” and the Universe “La Albiceleste”

The second goal was created in the 51st minute by superstar captain Lionel Messi. From the left side of the Canadian penalty area, Rodrigo de Paul sent a cross that hit the leg of the opposing defender. The ball bounced towards midfielder Enzo Fernández who took a shot but it hit Messi’s leg and scored a goal.

Messi and his teammates stopped celebrating the second goal because referee Piero Maza said they would check via the video assistant referee (VAR). Check if there are any Argentine players off-side, including Messi, scoring. However, a minute later, the referee signaled the goal and declared that there was no goal. off-side.

Argentina’s second goal from the Albiceleste in the semi-final was the 37-year-old Messi’s first at the 2024 US Copa America. The Inter Miami player’s goal tally at the Copa America stands at 14, the same as Chilean striker Eduardo Vargaz. and best striker Peru, Paolo Guerrero. They are a duo best striker Copa America, namely Norberto Mendez (Argentina) and Zizinho (Brazil) with 17 goals and the second-place duo Teodoro Fernandez (Peru) and Severino Varela (Uruguay) with 15 goals.

For the “Reds” Canada, it was the third defeat against Argentina. After losing 0-5 in a friendly match in 2010, Canada has lost twice at the 2024 Copa America. This shows how uneven Canada’s strength is against Argentina, who have also won three World Cups. Canada failed to score a single goal against Argentina.

Canada, coached by Jesse Marsch (USA), also had plenty of golden opportunities. At the end of the first half or in the 45th minute, striker Jonathan David shot into the penalty area on the right side of the Argentina goal. However, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was once again the hero, making a brilliant save and simply producing a harmless corner.

Also read: Uruguay vs Colombia, Marcelo Bielsa is still not satisfied

A golden opportunity also came in the 89th minute with Canada trailing by two goals. Replacement forward Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi received a mature pass and fired a shot from the edge of the box into the right side of the Argentina goal. Again, Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez swept the shot away with a move to the right. A minute later, Oluwaseyi had a second attempt, heading in a Jonathan Osorio cross from the middle of the box. However, the header sailed wide of Dibu’s right post.

Argentina’s victory was assured as they dominated the match with a 52 percent ball control to 48 percent. Additionally, expected goals (xG) were 1.44 to 0.68, attempts on goal were 10 to 9, and shots on goal were 3 to 2. Argentina had one shot blocked and one shot on goal was blocked by goalkeeper Crépeau. Canada suffered more as two shots were blocked and two shots on goal were blocked by Dibu.

This defeat seems to confirm Marsch’s earlier remarks that Lionel Scaloni’s team had no weaknesses. What is scary about Argentina, Marsch says, is its confidence in its greatness. Argentina is focused and hungry to win the title and is ready to do a lot of things but step by step, match by match, which makes the opponent suffer.

“I like the way they play, aggressive, chasing opponents, making opponents uncomfortable, physically challenging, competing for every pass, excellent in counter-pressing“Dead ball, defense, ball control, dynamics, a lot of smart players and the best goalkeeper,” Marsch said.

As the first CONCACAF (North, Central America and the Caribbean Islands) team to compete at the Copa America, Marsch still has a chance to finish third. That is the best that CONCACAF debutants Honduras achieved in the 2001 edition in Colombia, when they finished third. However, to finish third, Canada will have to battle once again against losing semifinalists Colombia and Uruguay.

Scaloni said he was very grateful to be back in the final after winning the Copa America Brazil 2021. The 30th final for Argentina was an opportunity to simply defend the title and/or add to the trophy collection.

If he becomes champion again, Scaloni is the greatest coach because he has already led Argentina to consecutive Copa America, CONMEBOL-UEFA Finalissima and World Cup wins.