Argentina won their first major title in 28 years!
Argentina won their first major title in 28 years on Saturday when an Angel Di Maria goal gave them a 1-0 win over Brazil and a record-equalling 15th Copa America crown.
Argentina’s victory was a particular triumph for Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, who picked up his first title in a blue-and-white shirt after more than a decade of club and individual honours.
Di Maria started for just the second time in the Copa, and he justified his selection by scoring the opener midway through the first half.
Renan Lodi failed to cut out a long ball forward from Rodrigo De Paul, and Di Maria lobbed the stranded Ederson with aplomb.
In a thrilling second half, Brazil piled on the pressure, but despite fielding five strikers, they were unable to equalise against an Argentine defence led by the outstanding De Paul.
“After the game, Di Maria said, “I can’t cry yet.” “We fought and dreamed of getting this. Many people chastised us and told us we shouldn’t return [to the national team].”
The match itself was a letdown, with Argentina coming out on top in a tense first half that saw 21 fouls.
They Congratulated Their Opponents..
“First and foremost, we must congratulate our opponents, particularly in the first half, when they neutralised us,” Thiago Silva, a Brazilian defender, said.
At the final whistle, the Argentine players surrounded their captain.
Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper, called it a Maracanazo, a remarkable victory at the famous Rio stadium.
He said, “I’m speechless.” “I knew my dream would come true, and what better place to do it than the Maracanazo, where the best in the world is crowned and his dream is realised.”
With four goals, Messi tied for the tournament’s top goal scorer and was named joint best player alongside Neymar. However, Messi was quiet throughout Saturday’s game, and he squandered a golden opportunity to end the game with two minutes left.
“Argentina Champions, Lionel Messi Champion!” Argentina TV exclaimed as the final whistle blew.
“This is a huge title,” Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine coach, said. “I’m hoping that the Argentines will find it enjoyable. The fans adore the team, and I believe they identify with this team that never lets its guard down.”
Argentina’s 15th Copa America victory ties them with Uruguay for the most in the tournament’s history.
Also read: The Netherlands Defeated Austria To Book A Place In The Last-16 Of Euro 2020
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