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Argentina beat Colombia 3-2 on penalties (1-1 at FT) to reach the finals of the Copa America. They will now take on defending champions Brazil in the finals on July 10th.
Argentina opened the scoring in the early minutes of the game through Lautaro Martinez. The Inter Milan striker tucked the ball into the back of the net after some brilliant work by Lionel Messi to set him up in the box. Colombia tried to power their way back into the game, but La Albiceleste somehow managed to maintain their lead for two-thirds of the match.
Colombia eventually found their equalizer in the 62nd minute of the game. Luis Diaz broke through and lobbed the ball over Emiliano Martinez to bring his side back on level terms. The teams could not be separated beyond that, which in turn took the game to penalties.
After Juan Cuadrado's first penalty for Colombia, Messi opened the scoring for Argentina in the shootout. But it was Emiliano Martinez that emerged as Argentina's hero as he saved three penalties from Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona to book his side's spot in the finals of the Copa America.
On that note, let's have a look at the five hits and flops in the match:
#5. Hit: Luis Diaz (Colombia)
Luis Diaz was one of the stars for Colombia tonight. The 24-year-old was at his absolute best against Argentina and scored the equalizer in the 62nd minute of the game to pull his side back into the tie. Diaz slotted past Emiliano Martinez from a tight angle after receiving a great pass from Edwin Cardona.
Diaz won the most duels (20) throughout the game. Additionally, he completed the most dribbles (11), made six recoveries and created two chances for Colombia. He was too hot to handle for Argentina's back-line and was unfortunate to end on the losing side.
#4. Flop: Rodrigo de Paul (Argentina)
Rodrigo de Paul had a night to forget against Colombia. The 27-year old failed to take charge of midfield and, to make matters worse, skied his penalty over during the shootout.
De Paul was constantly harried by Wilmar Barrios and Cardona in the center of the park. He failed to link up with Lautaro Martinez and Messi higher up the pitch as his movement was restricted by the Colombians. The opposition ensured that they did not allow him much time on the ball and kept him from getting too involved up-front.
#3. Hit: Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)
Emiliano Martinez was Argentina's hero in the penalty shoot-out. The former Arsenal goalkeeper denied Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona in the shootout to win it for his side. Martinez guessed the right way and saved three Colombian penalties.
The 28-year-old put in a solid performance otherwise as well. Emiliano Martinez made a couple of stunning saves in regular time as well to keep his side afloat in the tie. Argentina will hope that he continues his good run of form against Brazil's ferocious attackers in the final.
#2. Flop: Daniel Munoz (Colombia)
Daniel Munoz was one of the underperformers for Colombia against Argentina. He constantly needed help from Juan Cuadrado to deal with Lautaro Martinez, Nicolas Gonzalez and Giovani Lo Celso. Munoz struggled to cope with Argentina's attackers and lost 11 duels throughout the match.
He also failed to offer anything substantial higher up the pitch. Cuadrado often had no support on the wings when Colombia attacked down the flanks. All things considered, it was a game to forget for Munoz.
#1. Hit:Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi stood out for Argentina yet again. La Pulga carried his side with a bleeding ankle to the finals of the tournament.
Messi set-up Lautaro Martinez in the opening minutes of the game to take the lead against Colombia. He wiggled away from a couple of defenders after receiving an excellent pass from Lo Celso. Messi then set up a shot for Lautaro Martinez in the box, which was swept home by the Inter Milan striker. Messi also slammed home the first penalty to give Argentina the perfect start in the shootout.
Messi was at his usual best against Colombia. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner won 15 duels, completed nine dribbles, made five recoveries and created six chances for his side throughout the game. The Barcelona star looked threatening every time he got on to the ball and at times, Messi was simply unplayable.
If the Argentina captain maintains the same level in the final, Brazil could be in for a tough night at the Maracana.
