Copa America 2024: Argentina overcome stubborn Chilean defence with Lautaro Martinez's late winner
Martinez scored 88th minute goal against resolute defence.
Defending champions Argentina built on their winning start to the 2024 Copa America, facing Chile in a challenging Group A match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Argentina dominated possession from the outset, creating chances against a resolute Chilean defense. Midway through the first half, winger Nicolás González set up Julián Álvarez with a superb cutback from the left flank. Álvarez’s first-time shot lacked power, allowing Chile’s goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to gather the ball easily.
La Albiceleste continued to press for a breakthrough, generating numerous opportunities that Chile’s defensive setup managed to thwart. Argentina nearly broke the deadlock when Messi’s left-footed curler from outside the box struck the right post, narrowly missing a spectacular goal.
Lionel Scaloni’s side intensified their efforts, amassing 15 first-half attempts on Chile’s goal. The match evolved into a tactical battle of attack versus defense.
Argentina maintained their relentless offensive in the second half, repeatedly testing the Chilean backline. Coach Ricardo Gareca had shaped his Chilean side into an ultra-defensive formation to curb Argentina’s constant attacks.
As time waned, Scaloni introduced attacking reinforcements: Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, and Giovani Lo Celso, aiming to add variety to Argentina’s final third play.
Argentina’s persistence finally paid off in the 88th minute when substitute Lautaro Martinez scored from a corner situation, securing a hard-fought 1-0 lead.
This victory, showcasing Argentina’s champion mentality, marked their second win in Group A and guaranteed their place in the Copa America 2024 knockout rounds
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram
- Is Neymar playing tonight for Al Hilal vs Al Tai in Kings Cup?
- Is Ruben Amorim the right manager to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United?
- How did India perform in SAFF Women's Championship 2024: key highlights & missed opportunities
- Mainz vs Bayern Munich Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds
- Hyderabad FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant lineups, team news, prediction & preview
- ISL 2024-25: Top five Indian players from Matchweek 5
- Which pot will India occupy in AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Round 3 draw?
- Who Is Oscar Bruzon? East Bengal's new head coach
- EA FC 25 title update 3: All you need to know about latest patch
- Indian Sports Calendar October 2024: Major events to look forward to in third week
- Will Oscar Bruzon's knowledge of Bashundhara Kings give East Bengal an edge in AFC Challenge Cup Clash?
- Indian Football Team Player Watch: Aakash, Chhangte & Gurpreet impress; Vikram, Suresh need to improve
- Narendra Modi highlights crazy El Clasico fandom in India
- ISL 2024-25: Alex Saji, Mourtada Fall highlight impenetrable Matchweek 6 Team of the Week defence
- Jose Molina reveals plan on 'how to beat' Hyderabad FC in ISL