Argentina and Leo Messi The title can be played before Brazil in this America Cup. And they will do it thanks to the figure of Emiliano martnez, absolute hero of the semifinals against Colombia, decided in a historic penalty shootout. Up to three pitches stopped the goal of the albiceleste, who sealed their pass to the grand final.
Argentina has become accustomed in this Copa America to live off the sparkles of its players. In the absence of football, it is well worth pulling their figures. In view of Colombia he seized on the strength and conviction of Emiliano Martnez, who stopped up to three of the five shots in the penalty shoot-out. Before, those of Scaloni they disappointed again in a game with very little football and a good deal of luck.
And it is that if anyone deserved more that was Colombia, which received the first blow too soon. At seven minutes The Celso had already found Messi, who knew how to fight inside the area and put a ball behind that Lautaro cross out of reach of Ospina. Colombia dodged the logical low and generated enough danger and chances to balance the game in the first act.
First Emiliano martnez, shot at point-blank range from Square, and then the sticks, in a shot of Neighborhoods and a header from Yerry Mina, prevented Colombia from reestablishing the initial order. Argentina did not deserve to win but its practicality begins to be holy and it is in this selection of Scaloni.
Di Mara’s vindication
They were passing through the match on the wire until one of the discoveries of this Copa America appeared: Luis Daz. The end of the Porto came like a bullet down the left-handed lane, letting Pezzella with the mold and almost no pic angle before the departure of Emiliano Martnez. A great goal that did justice to what was seen so far in Man Garrincha.
Argentina seemed anesthetized. Scaloni reacted on time and gave entry to Say Mara, which changed the face of the albiceleste. It is very difficult to understand that the ‘noodle’ is not a starter in this team. With him, the party changed course and Argentina besieged Ospina’s goal in the final stretch. That’s when the albiceleste forgave. First with a shot at Messi’s stick and later with a sung goal that Lautaro he did not know how to materialize. The pass to the final was going to be decided from eleven meters.
And here Argentina, or rather Emiliano Martnez, was infinitely better. Messi executed first and Paredes and Lautaro also complied. Before that, Davinson Sanchez and Yerry Mina, from the coffee growers, and De Paul from the Argentine side had failed. On the fourth pitch, Emiliano stretched again to take Cardona’s shot and Argentina breathed in relief. There will be an end. The ninth opportunity for Leo Messi to settle his account. And being against Brazil, in your country, could there be a greater motivation?