Argentina kicked off its campaign for the Copa America 2024 with a decisive 2-0 victory over Canada in the opening Group A match on Thursday, demonstrating their dominance and reinforcing their status as favorites to win the tournament.
The match took place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, with a strong Argentine presence in the crowd, underscoring the widespread support for the team and the high expectations for its performance in the tournament.
Level Start
During the first half, Argentina dominated possession and dictated the pace of the game, showing their tactical prowess and ball control. Canada's strategy was to maintain a high defensive line and try to capitalize on counterattacks, which added an element of tension to the match.
Early in the match, a defensive error by Koné gave Di María a golden opportunity to score, but the quick reaction of Canadian goalkeeper Crepeau and his impressive save prevented an early Argentine lead.
As the half progressed, Argentina continued to create several half-chances, but it was Canada who finished the half with a stronger offensive presence, thanks to the dynamic play of Buchanan and Davies.
The first half ended with Emiliano Martinez making a critical save on a dangerous header from Eustaquio, ensuring that the score remained 0-0 as both teams headed to the locker room.
Second Half
Argentina returned to the field with renewed determination, and their efforts paid off quickly when they scored the first goal just three minutes into the second half.
A brilliant pass from Lionel Messi found Mac Allister in a promising position, but after a collision with Crepeau, the ball fell to Julian Alvarez, who calmly placed it into the net with a right-footed shot.
During the second half, Argentina remained in control and looked composed even when Canada mounted promising attacks. Despite missing two chances that he would normally convert, Messi continued to be a central figure in Argentina's play, orchestrating moves and creating opportunities.
The decisive moment came when Lautaro Martinez, who was brought on as a substitute in the 76th minute, combined perfectly with Messi to score Argentina's second goal just two minutes into stoppage time, effectively sealing the victory and making a strong case for his inclusion in the starting lineup.
Julian Alvarez played a crucial role in scoring the first goal from close range, capitalizing on the opportunity created by Messi's pass and Mac Allister's positioning. Lautaro Martinez, coming off the bench, demonstrated his ability and synergy with Messi by scoring the second goal, underlining his impact as a substitute and highlighting his potential for a starting position.
Lionel Messi, despite missing a few scoring opportunities, delivered a masterful performance with his vision and playmaking skills, contributing significantly to both goals and demonstrating why he remains a key player for Argentina.
Argentina's victory over Canada extended its unbeaten streak in the Copa America to nine matches, reflecting its consistent performance and dominance in the tournament.
Having won the 2021 edition in Brazil and finished third in the previous tournament, Argentina's aspirations to defend its title remain strong.
The team will now face Chile in its next group stage match on June 26, while Canada will prepare to play Peru on June 25, looking for its first win under coach Jesse Marsch.
#SelecciónMayor Morning activity of the Albiceleste squad 🇦🇷 after the inaugural triumph in @CopaAmerica.
✈️ Next destination: #NewJersey 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/fTDTBduuT8
- 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 21, 2024
Criticism
Copa America 2024 is being held in several stadiums in the United States, using a mix of Major League Soccer (MLS) and National Football League (NFL) stadiums.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which regularly hosts Atlanta United (MLS) and the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), featured a temporary turf surface installed specifically for the tournament.
Despite the stadium's state-of-the-art facilities, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni criticized the field conditions, noting that the last-minute installation of the turf surface resulted in a pitch unsuitable for high-caliber players.
Scaloni emphasized that, although the stadium itself is impressive and generally boasts excellent synthetic turf, the temporary turf surface detracted from the quality of play, although he refrained from using it as an excuse for the team's performance.
