Goalless game lets Copa debutants Canada celebrate
Argentina keeps a clean sheet, no points dropped: Argentina presents itself strongly at the Copa America in the USA and advances sovereignly to the quarterfinals. This was achieved without superstar Lionel Messi or the coach. Debutant Canada also makes it through to the next round with a 0:0 against Chile.
Defending champions Argentina had a perfect group stage at the Copa America in the USA. After a 2:0 (0:0) win against Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the Argentinians marched into the quarterfinals without losing a point or conceding a goal. Canada also advances as the first-time participant of the South American championship with a goalless draw against Chile.
The reigning South American and World champion had a tough start, with the score being goalless at halftime. Two minutes after the restart, Lautaro Martinez scored the opening goal for 1:0. After a missed penalty kick by Argentina, it was once again Martinez who scored the second goal in stoppage time (86').
The World champion had to do without Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi had picked up an upper leg injury in the second group game against Chile (1:0), and the coaching staff decided to rest him with the quarterfinals already assured. Martinez came on after the first goal and embraced Messi on the bench. Co-Trainer Walter Samuel said, "It's getting better for him, but we'll continue to listen to him and the doctors."
Head coach Scaloni was suspended by the organizing CONMEBOL Confederation due to repeated late returns of his team from halftime in previous games. Co-Trainer Samuel took over instead. Against Peru, the Argentinians were the first back on the pitch after the restart.
Bayern star Alphonso Davies (Canada) and his maple leaves rejoiced simultaneously over the quarterfinal advancement. Canada secured second place in the group with four points and only one goal scored, while Chile failed to score for the first time since 1917 at the oldest international tournament in the world and only managed two points. Chile's Gabriel Suazo saw a yellow-red card (27').
The opponents of Canada and Argentina, who remained undefeated in the group stage with three wins and no goals conceded, come from Group B. Venezuela ties with Jamaica on Sunday for the group win. Ecuador draws with Mexico to advance, both teams are tied on points.
Lionel Messi missed the quarterfinals of Copa America due to an injury, but Argentina, led by Lautaro Martinez, secured a perfect group stage, including a 2-0 win over Peru and advancement without conceding a goal. In the same group, debutant Canada also advanced with a goalless draw against Chile, emulating Argentina's defensive prowess in the tournament.
