Copa America 2019: Argentina 0-2 Brazil - Hits and Flops

Brazil v Argentina: Semi Final - Copa America Brazil 2019
Brazil v Argentina: Semi Final - Copa America Brazil 2019

#4 Flop: Marcos Acuna

Brazil v Argentina: Semi Final - Copa America Brazil 2019
Brazil v Argentina: Semi Final - Copa America Brazil 2019

With the likes of Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala failing to settle into the squad, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni chose a relatively less popular name from the squad- Sporting CP star, Marcos Acuna. Devoid of big-game experience, the 27-year-old looked like a fish out of the water for the duration he was on the pitch.

Acuna was completely dominated by Brazil's veteran right-back, Dani Alves. The left-winger was unable to match the energy and intensity of Alves and he failed to gel well with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi in the attack. The Sporting CP winger was often pushed back due to Alves' thunderous runs on overlaps, one of which resulted in the opener.

Controlling the ball with effortless ease, Alves chipped the ball over Acuna around the 18th minute to find Firmino in space. Firmino did the rest and easily found Jesus in the box with a low cross. It goes without saying Acuna failed to recover from that and eventually, Di Maria replaced him in the second half.

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