Chile vs Argentina, Copa America 2024: Argentina Secures Quarterfinal Spot, Lautaro’s Late Heroics Against Chile!

Defending champions Argentina are set to face off against Chile in their second Group A match of the Chile vs Argentina Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday (Wednesday in IST). Both teams have much at stake as they aim to secure their spots in the knockout stages.

La Albiceleste edged past Chile 1-0, securing their place in the next round and becoming the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals. This victory, achieved in front of a packed MetLife Stadium, was highlighted by a late goal from Lautaro Martínez.

Chile vs Argentina, Copa America 2024: Key Moments

• Lautaro Martínez netted his second goal of the tournament in the dying moments of the match.
• Claudio Bravo was instrumental in keeping Chile in the game, maintaining a clean sheet for over 80 minutes.
• Chile’s Final Opportunity will be against Canada.

Match Summary

At MetLife Stadium, where Argentina and Chile faced off eight years after their memorable 2016 CONMEBOL Copa América final, the game began dominantly in Argentina’s favor.

First Half: Dominance but No Goals

Argentina created numerous chances in the first half. Lionel Messi hit the post at 35 minutes, Nico González had his opportunities, and Julián Álvarez had a one-on-one with Bravo, but the Chilean goalkeeper was unbeatable. Argentina held 61% possession and fired 13 shots on goal in the first 45 minutes, while Chile struggled to challenge Dibu Martínez.

Second Half: Persistent Pressure and a Late Breakthrough

The second half mirrored the first. Nahuel Molina’s shot from a Messi pass was brilliantly saved by Bravo. At 60 minutes, Nico González’s powerful strike was cleared by Bravo and the crossbar.

Chile responded with two clear chances from Rodrigo Echeverría, both saved by Dibu Martínez.

Argentina’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 87th minute. After Messi nearly scored directly from a corner, Lautaro Martínez pounced on the rebound from the subsequent corner to score his second goal of the tournament.

Lautaro missed a chance to double his tally in the final moments, but Argentina’s 1-0 victory was already sealed, securing their spot in the quarterfinals.

Upcoming Move

Having qualified for the quarterfinals, Argentina will aim to top Group A against Peru at Hard Rock Stadium. Chile will seek their first win against Canada at Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando. Both matches are scheduled for Saturday, June 29.

Lineups

Chile:

• Starting XI: Claudio Bravo; Mauricio Isla, Igor Lichnovsky, Paulo Díaz, Gabriel Suazo; Rodrigo Echeverría, Erick Pulgar; Víctor Dávila, Alexis Sánchez, Darío Osorio; Eduardo Vargas.
• Coach: Ricardo Gareca
• Substitutions Used: Marcos Bolados, Marcelino Núñez, Ben Brereton, Nicolás Fernández.
• Cards: Suazo (yellow), Mauricio Isla (yellow)

Argentina:

• Starting XI: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Nicolás González; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.
• Coach: Lionel Scaloni
• Substitutions Used: Giovani Lo Celso, Lautaro Martínez, Ángel di María, Marcos Acuña, Gonzalo Montiel.
• Cards: –

Goal: 88′ Lautaro Martínez (A)

Referee: Andrés Matonte (Uruguay)

Stadium: MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ

Superior Player of the Match Michelob ULTRA: Claudio Bravo (Chile)