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Carlos Tevez scored the decisive penalty kick against Colombia to send Argentina through to the semi-finals of the Copa America after both teams failed to break the deadlock after 90 minutes. Although Argentina dominated possession and created plenty of chances, some resolute defending and some world class goalkeeping ensure that they had to wait until penalties to get a chance to win the game.The hero of normal time was undoubtedly David Ospina, who was having one of his best games in a Colombian shirt. Unlike his opposite number, the Arsenal keeper was on his toes throughout the game and on more than occasion helped keep his side in the game. Ultimately though, it wasn’t enough as Colombia went out 5-4 on penalties. Here are the major talking points from the game. Highlights: Argentina beat Colombia 5-4 in penalty shootout
#1 High on entertainment value, low on quality
This Copa America might be lacking in goals and goalmouth action, but one thing there has been plenty of is drama. Whether it is post-match scuffles between players or incidents during the match, the referees have had a hard time officiating this tournament because of its physical and uncompromising nature.
The number of times players from both sides went down so easily, expecting decisions to go their way, was simply disgraceful. What was even worse was the amount of abuse that both sets of players in this game directed towards the Mexican referee.
The likes of James Rodriguez and Sergio Aguero were getting involved and got yellow cards for being petulant and that has been a theme running throughout the tournament. While physicality and lack of goals can always be corrected, the attitude of the attackers must change, especially if they want to ply their trade in Europe, where referees won’t be as nice in not bringing out the cards for their petty actions.
#2 Bizarre penalty shootout
The cliché ‘it was a game of two halves’ is often reserved for two halves of normal time. But in this game, it was the perfect description for the penalty shootout. After 90 minutes of gruelling football in which Argentina were unlucky not to have scored and Colombia extremely lucky to even be in the game, the shootout began in sublime style.
The first six spot kicks were so immaculately taken, that you almost got the feeling nobody was going to miss their kick. But once Luis Muriel blasted over, the tables were turned and it looked as though both sides were playing rugby, trying to score a try rather than place the ball into the net.
Finally, Tevez scored and Argentina, at the third time of asking, wrapped up the game and marched through to their third semi-final in the last four Copa America tournaments.
#3 Referee in the spotlight yet again
In this Copa America, the only job worse than being a referee is being a fourth official having to listen to the constant verbal volleys from both managers. So it was no surprise that Mexican referee Roberto Garcia had his hands full throughout the game.
After letting things flow and not punishing every little contact in the opening 15 minutes, the Mexican started dishing out cards and before half-time there was already six given out. Yet, despite that, he wasn’t winning any friends on either side.
While there were a few blatant fouls that he missed, that was more a case of the boy who cried wolf rather than a mistake on the part of Garcia, who did his best to ensure that there were enough players on the pitch for the match to continue, even though it scarcely seemed possible after 15 minutes.
#4 Colombia unable to hold onto their place
The problem with playing defensively and almost waiting for penalties is that if it does pay off, then you have to make sure that you win it. And winning a shootout, which is a lottery at the best of times, is a lot harder than a game of football.
Unfortunately for Los Cafeteros, although they held on for a draw after 90 minutes thanks to a combination of luck, fantastic goalkeeping, stoic defensive resistance and some lacklustre attacking from Argentina, they were still dumped out of the tournament.
While they did everything they possibly could defensively, it is their attack that led to this exit. One goal in four games is not the kind of form that gets you into semi-finals of tournaments, even though they came within one miskick away from reaching their first Copa America semi-final since 2004.
#5 David Ospina puts forward his case
Some things in life are simply beyond your control. In situations like that, all you can and should do is and hope for the best. The news that Petr Cech was set to become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer would have been the last thing that David Ospina would have wanted to hear before a crucial clash against Argentina.
With many suspecting that the move marks the beginning of the end of his time at Arsenal, Ospina showed in the perfect manner just why he deserves to stay. Although he could do nothing in the shootout, the main reason the game finished goalless was because of his heroics in between the sticks.
Whether it was a fantastic double save from Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi in the first half or a fingertip save to deny Nicolas Otamendi in the second, the Colombian shot-stopper showed Arsene Wenger just why he deserves his spot in the squad.
