DBasia.news – The Argentina national team won 1-0 against Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final, at the Maracana Stadium, Sunday (11/7). It was the first time Lionel Messi had led Argentina to the title.
Argentina fielded the best composition. Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez were accompanied by Angel Di Maria in attack. Meanwhile, Leandro Paredes became the anchor midfielder.
On the other hand, Brazil still relied on Neymar to gain goals. Meanwhile, the second line was entrusted to Real Madrid midfielder, Casemiro.
In the first half, things were relatively even. Brazil recorded 54% possession of the ball, while Argentina 46%. Meanwhile, for opportunities, both teams scored one kick on target.
Not many chances happened in the first 20 minutes. Richarlison and Neymar’s actions was still able to be contained by the Argentine defenders.
Argentina who had difficulty dismantling Brazil’s defense even opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Rodrigo De Paul’s pass from midfield split the Brazilian defense.
Angel Di Maria who ran from behind grabbed the ball and faced Ederson. The former Manchester United player also picked the ball so Ederson was unable to reach it. Argentina on the lead with 1-0.
After the goal, Brazil tried to increase the attack. However, the actions of Neymar and his team mates were unable to break into La Albiceleste’s goal until the first half ended.
Brazil had scored in the 52nd minute through Richarlison. However, the goal was disallowed as the Everton striker was first in an offside position.
The Samba team had another chance to score in the 55th minute. Starting from Neymar’s action, Richarlison was in an unguarded position.
Then, the striker fired a hard shot towards the goal. However, the ball was still able to be secured by Emiliano Martinez.
Brazil also tried to increase the attack. Tite included Vinicius Junior, Emerson and Gabriel Barbosa. Meanwhile, Argentina changed strategy by playing German Pezzella, Nicolas Gonzalez, and Exequiel Palacios.
With the entry of players with more attacking instincts, Brazil began to lock up Argentina’s defense. Brazil almost equalized in the 82nd minute. Unfortunately, Emerson’s effort only hit the outside of Argentina’s net.
Brazil continued to press the defense of Argentina. However, until the long whistle, no more goals were created. Argentina closed the game with a 1-0 advantage.
With these results, Lionel Messi ended his fast with Argentina. Previously, Messi had failed despite reaching the final of the 2007 2015 Copa America, 2016, and the 2014 World Cup.
Lineup:
Argentina (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero (German Pezzella 79′), Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Acuna; Rodrigo de Paul, Leandro Paredes (Guido Rodriguez 54′), Giovani Lo Celso (Nicolas Tagliafico 63′); Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez (Nicolas Gonzalez 79′), Angel Di Maria (Exequiel Palacios 79′).
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Renan Lodi (Emerson 76′); Casemiro, Fred (Roberto Firmino 46′); Richarlison, Lucas Paqueta (Gabriel Barbosa 76′), Everton (Vinicius Junior 63′); Neymar.
Coach: Tite