Relentless Brazil outplay lackluster Argentina to reach Copa America final
Brazil showed their class as they outplayed arch-rivals Argentina in the semis of the Copa America 2019 at the Estádio Mineirão on Tuesday. While Brazil looked great from the start, Argentina were lackluster as they succumbed to the intense pressure put by the hosts. Notably, Lionel Messi's hunt for a proper international title still continues. Meanwhile, we present the match report.
Brazil dominate the first quarter
Brazil came up with the opening attempt in just the second minute of the game, only for Roberto Firmino to be ruled offside. Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico was served yellow card in the ninth minute for bringing down Jesus. However, the 19th minute saw Firmino assist Jesus to break the deadlock as a low cross allowed the latter to comfortably past the Argentine keeper.
Argentina attempt to retaliate
Argentina attempted to retaliate in the second quarter with a couple of attempts. Their best chance came in 30th minute, only for Sergio Aguero's header to hit the crossbar. Messi too attempted in the 37th minute, which was blocked by Thiago Silva. Marcos Acuna and Dani Alves were yellow carded in the 40th minute, while Brazil held the lead at half-time.
Argentina show serious intent post half-time
Argentina displayed serious intent following the half-time with four attempts in the third quarter. While Allison denied Lautaro Martínez in the 50th minute, Rodrigo De Paul shot one over in the 52nd. Messi too attempted a couple as his best chance in the 57th minute. It was denied by the side-post, while a free kick in the 66th minute was caught by Allison.
Brazil back to business in the closing quarter
The Argentine intent did not last long as Brazil salvaged back another in the 71st minute. This time, Jesus assisted Firmino, as the former did the tough job of rolling past the defense, only to flick it to Firmino, who tapped it in. Six minutes later, Messi was handed another opportunity from a free-kick, only to hit the wall, as Brazil entered the final.
Alves adjudged Man of the Match
Some post-match trivia
Following the conclusion of the match, here are some interesting stats: This was the very same venue where Brazil had suffered a 1-7 drubbing at the hands of Germany during the 2014 FIFA World Cup semis. However, they did manage to brush off the ghost this time. Also, Brazil maintained their unbeaten record against Argentina at home in competitive tournaments.
Some key stats from the match
Brazil to face Peru or Chile in the final
Brazil have qualified for the final of the tournament for the first time since 2007, where they had won. They would be taking on the winner of the second semi-final between defending champions Chile and Peru.
