By Josue Lopez
The first Copa America semifinal had current defending champions and World Cup winners Argentina and the last survivor from CONCACAF and underdog of the tournament Canada at MetLife Stadium. With different historical requests, “La Albiceleste” was efficient meanwhile the Canadians show a lack of imagination in the final third.
In the 22nd minute, Rodrigo de Paul took the ball in the middle of the field and gave a long shot to Julian Alvarez. Between two Canadian defenders, the Manchester City striker placed the ball between Maxime Crepea’s legs to place the advantage for the current title holders. The opponent took some ownership of the ball, but Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez only intervened once.
In the second half, Rodrigo de Paul took part in the second goal by taking the ball. A scrambled play had Messi intervening which could cause the one to be offside. After VAR review and a Canadian player in the corner giving legitimacy to the play, the current Inter Miami player gave the two-goal advantage with the belief that such a goal was Enzo Fernandez’. The most surprising fact was that Angel Di Maria began the play with a throw-in.
As an intent to occur in sports, Canada had a sporadic reaction in the final minutes of the second half. After Emiliano Martinez grabbed the ball with the security that characterizes him, he celebrated it like it was the third goal. Thus, the Aston Villa goalkeeper has only one goal on his net and, with his teammates, a third consecutive final in a nation’s tournament; two Copa Americas and one World Cup.
Argentina will play the final in Miami. The opponent will come out of tomorrow´s game between Colombia and Uruguay. Canada, with a fourth place secured and a potential historic third spot, will play against the loser of tomorrow´s semifinal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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