Without its captain Lionel Messi – contracted – and with Walter Samuel on the other side of the line in place of the suspended Lionel Scaloni, Argentina beat Peru 2-0 this Saturday with two from Lautaro Martínez, in the last match for the group stage of the Copa América, played before a crowd of compatriots at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
With Paredes as the starting line-up, Palacios as the classic 5 and Lo Celso more relaxed, this team with luxury substitutes and occasional starters was forced to press up from the connections that the very active tandem Di María-Garnacho tried out, who despite playing on opposite sides, frequently sought each other out. They were joined by their respective full-backs “Cachete” Montiel and Tagliafico, especially the latter.
But the main shooter in the Albiceleste, both in corner kicks and free kicks, was the historic “Fideo”, last night wearing the captain’s ribbon and applauded by the crowd every time he touched the ball. The truth was that each of the overhand attempts by the player from Rosario Central to the heart of the rival area represented true attacks for the Peruvians, who appeared entirely dressed in black.
Uruguayan Jorge Fossati’s team displayed their characteristic line of three at the back and stretched to five when the ball was in Argentina’s possession, which came in a frank manner through Lautaro to test Gallese, although last night the starting center forward instead of Julián Alvarez started in an offside position.
Then Lo Celso received well from behind, but was brought down near the Peruvian area. The free kick was taken by Paredes and his shot would have gone into the corner had it not been for the wonderful reaction of Gallese, while Tagliafico – who was trying to take advantage of the rebound – was visibly displaced by Zambrano inside the area.
Busy as it was to cut off Argentina’s offensive game circuits, the Inca team did not compromise the fence defended by “Dibu” Martínez, especially because, in the experienced duel, Otamendi showed his credentials against Paolo Guerrero, the first cautioned player of the match. for attacking Paredes.
Although there was time for a left-footed shot from Di María into the hands of the Peruvian number 1 and Reyna’s devilish dribble that sought to make Pezzella nervous, the first stage closed with a block by Gallese against Lo Celso in full position of 9, and in Garnacho wanted to place it on the rebound but it came out just high.
The second half started with a magnificent pass from Di María – the fourth player with the most appearances in the national team after Messi and Javier Mascherano – for “El Toro” Martínez, who chipped it with class and celebrated with the Flea, who was waiting for him to hug him from the bench. Immediately after a corner kick, Tagliafico – in an offensive position – scored his own, but it was disallowed due to Lo Celso’s previous offside.
At 65 minutes, “Dibu” Martínez had his first save after a good shot by López. In the reply, Di María served it to Montiel and he caused Corzo to touch it with his hand inside the area. The penalty was taken by Paredes, but on his 30th birthday the Roma player shook a post.
Despite the small difference, there was still time for the entry of the young Carboni and two chances for Lautaro, the second of which was exquisitely executed to add four goals in three games of the current Copa América.
Towards the end, Zanellato’s stick after header kept “Dibu” undefeated. The Argentine National Team won, reached the quarterfinals with a perfect score and maintained the enthusiasm of an entire town.
2024-06-30 02:30:50
#Argentina #beat #Peru #remains #victorious #Copa #América #Lautaro #quarterfinals #perfect #score
