'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQb/2gAIAQEAAAAAnDv/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAG/9oACAECEAAAADX/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC/9oACAEDEAAAAD//xAAhEAABAgYCAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAUGERITYSEkMv/aAAgBAQABPwAWLRzSEIL0wH0NHGuNA5j678wqy6Fsfcnh1xpj/8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDBP/aAAgBAgEBPwBd9T//xAAYEQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMEUv/aAAgBAwEBPwBXJtH/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 The game delivered on the physical front, with fouls all over the pitch
In a high-stakes game like this one, where Argentina and Colombia were both looking for a spot in the final, tensions were sure to flare up. Additionally, when the Colombians walk on to the pitch, we can always expect the game to be a physical one.
The Colombians have approached all of their games in Copa America with a very simple tactic: physicality and breaking up plays by whatever means possible. They were absolutely brutal in the game against Uruguay in the quarter-finals, committing 17 fouls. In this game as well, they ensured Argentina did not get into dangerous positions with a series of tactical fouls and it was a surprise that only a couple of players were booked in the first half.
Overall, 47 fouls were committed in the game, the most in the competition so far. Surprisingly, it was only in the second half that officials felt the need to start handing out yellow cards.
With Argentina setting up a date with Brazil in the final, we do not expect a similar physical game. The tie could very well be decided by the battle between former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Messi.
#2 Lionel Messi dazzles with another brilliant outing for Argentina
Lionel Messi has been the out-and-out talisman for Argentina in the Copa America 2021 so far. He already has four goals and added his fifth assist of the tournament with a great pass to Lautaro Martinez for the opening goal of the game.
With that pass, Messi broke the record for most assists in a single edition of the tournament. Otherwise as well, he was excellent on the pitch with his touches, ball control and distribution. Messi even hit the post in the 80th minute.
With him in great form, La Albiceleste have yet another shot at the Copa America trophy and are in their first final since 2016. They will hope Messi can carry them across the line to a coveted international trophy.
#1 Emiliano Martinez the hero for Argentina as he saves three penalties
Though Messi helped give Argentina an early lead with an assist, it was their goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who bagged all the honors in the end. He rose to the occasion and saved three penalties with his smart reflexes and effective trash talk in the shootout. The Aston Villa goalkeeper also made a couple of good saves in regular time, including one from Cuadrado in the eighth minute.
The game went straight to penalties because as per the rules, extra time will only be allowed in the final of the Copa America. In what was supposed to be a nervy affair for him in the shootout, Martinez resorted to classic mind game tactics and, thanks to an empty stadium, got into the heads of the Colombian players.
He saved penalties from Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona, while his teammates scored three penalties at the other end to put the game to bed. It was a welcome sight to once again see someone other than Messi producing a match-winning performance for Argentina. This has been the case on numerous occasions in the Copa America 2021 and the Albiceleste will hope it continues in the final as well.
Also See: 10 best goalkeepers in the world this season (2020-21)
