Three years after winning the Copa America and two years after hoisting the World Cup, Argentina is just one match away from lifting another after a 2-0 win over Canada. When others have fallen, Argentina is building its empire brick-by-brick, frustrating its opponents with its signature brand of soccer.
This dynasty is led by youthful, yet experienced players. Enzo Fernandez assisted Argentina’s winning goal and was vital in possession, but is only 23. Julian Alvarez is just 24, but with the maturity and calmness in his play, he could have played decades’ worth of soccer.
For the group’s leaders — veterans rapidly reaching the formidable 40-year-old mark — they played like they were 20. 37-year-old Lionel Messi reminded the world of his legendary status, scoring his first goal of the tournament after running a clinic on destroying Canadian defenses.
Angel Di Maria was the team’s creative outlet — the 36-year-old ran rampant down the right flank. Argentina looked the most complete and dominant it has in a while, and that’s saying a lot considering their recent performances.
Alvarez puts Argentina up over Canada
When the match started, it looked like Argentina would be the next world empire to crumble. For a minute, left winger Jacob Shaffelburg seemed unstoppable as Canada broke loose in transition several times. Shaffelburg, Alphonso Davies, and a speedy Canada team often proved too much for the physical Canadian sides to handle.
We saw how fast and frustrating Canada could be at times. Jonathan David’s counter-attacking strike against Peru and Shaffelburg’s goal over Venezuela both come from Canada surging quickly through fast-break goals on the wings. The Jesse Marsch-led Canadians are difficult to deal with, as the Argentine defense discovered first-hand.
Although Shaffelburg flirted with the net a few times in the opening minutes, sending two shots off target, Rodrigo de Paul drew first blood in the 22nd…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/argentina-dominates-canada-en-route-to-copa-america-final/
Author : Deolu Akingbade
Publish date : 2024-07-10 03:50:34
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