Argentina has no scares and secures a place in the Copa América final

This Tuesday (9), Argentina It is Canada faced each other in the MetLife Stadiumin New Jerseyfor the first semi-final of the Copa America 2024. The Argentines, who were the favorites, repeated the score from the group stage, with the first goal from Messi in the edition.

In the first half, the Canadian team started more relaxed and reached the Argentine area more, but had difficulty in the final actions. The first good chance, however, came when Angel Di Maria advanced down the right flank, cut inside and passed to Messi. The number 10 shot from outside the area and the ball went close to the post. Crepe.

Even in a moment of Canadian superiority, Argentine talent prevailed when Rodrigo De Paul gave a beautiful launch to Julian Alvarezwho beat the defender and shot under the goalkeeper to open the scoring.

With the goal, Argentina took more control of the match and created chances to extend the lead, with Di María, Tagliafico and even Messi, who received a pass from the Argentine number 11, cut to his right foot and shot close to the goal. Canada's only good chance came at the end of the half, when a free kick was taken by Jonathan David in the small area. However, Emiliano Martinez closed the attacker's angle and defended.

The return from the locker room could not have gone better for the Argentines, who, after just 5 minutes, extended their lead. After a good play and a cross from De Paul, the Canadian defense cleared the ball and it ended up at the feet of Enzo Fernandezwho, from the edge of the area, kicked. On the way, Lionel Messi only had to deflect the ball to deny the goalkeeper the chance to save it. The Canadians complained that the Argentine star was in an offside position, but the VAR images confirmed the legality of the goal.

From then on, the Albiceleste just had to manage the match and take advantage of the weak decision-making power of the Canadian team, which only reached Dibu's goal in injury time with two good chances to score. Tani Oluwaseyibut without success. End of the game, 2×0. Check out some data from the match:

• Ball possession: Argentina 52.4% vs Canada 47.6%
• Finishes (accurate): Argentina 10 (3); Canada 9 (2)
• Fouls committed: Argentina 5 x 14 Canada
• Successful passes (%): Argentina 396 (91%); Canada 394 (93%)

With the spot guaranteed, Argentina seals its fourth appearance in the final in the last five editions of the Copa América. To become the tournament's greatest champion (currently tied with Uruguaywith 15 titles each), Argentina will take the field next Sunday against the winner of Colombia x Uruguay, which takes place this Wednesday (10).

Even with the defeat, the Copa América is not over yet for Canada, which is now preparing for the third place match.