'%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,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Argentina registered their first win in this edition of Copa America last night as they beat Qatar 2-0. In a much needed victory, goals from Lautaro Martinez and Sergio Aguero were enough to seal the game for the Albiceste.
Lionel Sacloni's men took the lead quite early as Martinez opened the scoring with just 4 minutes on the clock. The game was still pretty much in the balance till the lead was just one as Qatar also fancied their chances but Paulo Dybala's introduction to the game changed the dynamics of the game. He in his cameo appearance set up the second goal for Argentina which was slotted in by Aguero.
Argentina were tipped as one of the favourites to lift the Copa America this year after Brazil but started the campaign on a sour note. In their opening fixture, they fell short to Colombia and in their second fixture were taken down the wire by Paraguay to salvage a draw. But last night they finally clicked together.
Here we take a look at Hits and Flops of last night.
#4 Leandro Paredes- Hit
Despite having a star studded attack, The men in white and blue have struggled in the center of the park. They have failed to retain the ball in the middle and orchestrate play. But last night, Leandro Paredes rose to the occasion.
The new Paris Saint-Germain recruit was one of the best players of the night. Paredes completed 74 passes last night that was the most by any player. Alongside that he created 4 chances which were the most by any player once again.
The midfielder made 11 recoveries and won 4 duels last night. He maintained Argentina's balance and tempo and ensured that his side won the midfield battle.
#3 Hassan Al-Haydos- Flop
Hassan Al-Haydos, had one of the nights to forget as Qatar crashed out of the Copa America with just one point to their name. Qatar's captain was unable to lift his side's spirits after they conceded early on in the game.
Al-Haydos was not as involved in the game as one would have hoped for as he just had 36 touches throughout the 90 minutes played. The midfielder just attempted 17 passes and had an accuracy of 74% whereas he also lost 6 out of his 11 duels.
The Qatari captain looked lost throughout the game as he was completely overshadowed by the midfield trio of Leandro Parades, Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul. He was dispossessed twice last night and became the player to lose possession most times throughout the match.
#2 Sergio Aguero- Hit
Sergio Aguero, last night showed why he is known to be one of the best strikers in the world. The Manchester City ace kept the opposition busy throughout the night as he attempted 6 shots off which one went on to become Argentina's second of the night.
Although the striker was not much involved in the buildup, he caused all kinds of trouble for the Qatari defense. He set up 3 chances, had 2 successful dribbles, won 5 duels and made 1 recovery. The 31-year-old put in a massive shift last night.
Aguero scored in the 82nd minute of the game through Paulo Dybala's pass as he dribbled past a couple of players before slotting it near the far post to put the game beyond all doubts and seal a quarter final clash with Venezuela.
#1 Lionel Messi- Hit
When one talks about Argentina, the first thing that comes to mind is Lionel Messi. In a much needed win, the Barcelona star did not disappoint as he led his side to victory and sealed a clash against Venezuela in the knockout phases after finishing their group in the second place after group leaders Colombia.
Messi was sublime as always. Though he did not have a goal or an assist to his name, he was instrumental for his national side's win against Qatar.
The 32-year-old was last night's man of the match as he attempted 40 passes with an accuracy of 83%, created 2 chances, won 6 duels and had 2 successful dribbles.
The five time Ballon d'Or winner is striving for international glory and crashing out of the Copa America in group stages would have been embarrassing. Messi after the game implied, now that they have cleared the group stages, it will be all to play for.
