Already classified, Argentina wins third round at Copa América

Even with classification guaranteed, the Argentine team entered the field this Saturday (29), at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Gardens, to face Peru, fighting in their last match of the Copa América group stage, the third round.

Considering the points already won, the Argentines only needed to define their place in the classification, which was confirmed with the 2-0 score over the Peruvian team.

First step

The first part of the game was completely dominated by the Argentine team, which during the 45 minutes focused mainly on controlling the score to stay in first place.

The Argentina team also tried some shots at goal, but the main focus was to prevent the Peruvians from positioning themselves closer to the goal, so that there would be no chance for the opposing team to score.

Given all the control on the field, the Argentines, even with Lionel Messi on the bench, had around 80% possession of the ball, stunning the Peru team.

The first half of the match ended 0-0, even though there were some goal chances that were not taken into account.

Second half with goals

The last 45 minutes were played based on Argentina's desire to score and stay at the top of the table. In one of the first plays of the half, Lautaro Martínez received the ball and kicked it over the goalkeeper, scoring the first goal for the Argentine team.

Around the 25th minute of the stage, a penalty was awarded to the Argentine side. Paredes, in his shot, shot at the post and, even with a rebound from Lautaro Martínez, it was not possible to score.

The penalty that Paredes missed. pic.twitter.com/g0brg5i3Qu

— Curiosities Europe (@CuriososEU) June 30, 2024

_{Penalty taken by Paredes, who did not score (Video: reproduction/X/@CuriosidadesEU)}

Argentina's second came right at the end of the game, 86 minutes into the game. Also scored by Lautaro Martínez, scorer of the first, this second goal only confirmed the Argentina team's position in first place.

Classification

Given the results, also taking into account the game between Canada and Chile, which ended in a draw, Argentina qualified with nine points, in first place. Right after, Canada got four points, followed by the Chilean team, with two. The Peruvian team came in last place in the table, with just one point.

Featured by Lautaro Martinez

With Argentina as one of the favorite teams, it is easy to understand that the team carries with it the weight of having one of the strongest and best-worked squads in the Copa América. Within this squad, we see important players, such as Lautaro Martínez, the 26-year-old Argentine.

With Argentina practically without Lionel Messi, the Inter Milan player had the chance to stand out, scoring four of Argentina's five goals in the last three games, increasingly confirming the team's favoritism.

Featured photo: players from Argentina and Peru on the field (Reproduction/X/@Argentina)