
Date: June 28, 2021
Competition: Copa América 2021 – Group Stage
Result: Argentina 1-0 Paraguay
Match Summary:
Argentina secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay in their final Group A match at the Copa América 2021 on June 28, 2021, to advance to the quarter-finals. The match, played at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasília, was a tense affair, with both teams showing defensive resilience. Argentina needed a win to top their group and ensure progression, and they managed to do so thanks to a Lionel Messi assist and a goal from Alexis Mac Allister.
Key Moments of the Match:
- 1st Half: The match was an evenly contested battle in the opening stages, with both teams creating a few half-chances but struggling to break down the opposition’s defense. Paraguay looked to play on the counter, with Miguel Almirón and Óscar Romero offering some spark in attack, but they were unable to get past Argentina’s solid defense.
- Second Half: The breakthrough came in the ’58 minute. Lionel Messi showed his incredible vision, providing a perfectly timed pass to Alexis Mac Allister, who latched onto the ball and fired it into the net. It was a composed finish from the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder, who was starting in place of the injured Giovani Lo Celso.
- Paraguay’s Response: After falling behind, Paraguay pushed forward, with Almirón continuing to look dangerous. However, Argentina’s defense, led by Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero, held firm to keep Paraguay at bay. Paraguay had a late penalty shout, but after a VAR review, the referee ruled that there was no foul inside the box.
Man of the Match:
- Lionel Messi: The Barcelona star was once again Argentina’s driving force. His assist for Mac Allister was a display of his sublime vision and technique. Messi played a crucial role in Argentina’s overall attacking play and was involved in almost everything positive for his side.
What This Win Means for Argentina:
- Copa América Quarter-Final Spot: With the victory, Argentina finished top of Group A, securing a spot in the Copa América quarter-finals. The team showed resilience and composure, despite not being at their best in this particular match. Their win put them ahead of Chile, who also advanced but finished second.
- Lionel Messi’s Leadership: Messi’s influence continues to be the backbone of Argentina’s campaign. His contribution in terms of playmaking and leadership on the field remains unmatched, and his role in Argentina’s attack has been crucial throughout the tournament.
- Defensive Solidity: While Argentina‘s attack was solid, their defense deserves praise as well. Despite Paraguay‘s efforts to find the equalizer, Argentina remained disciplined and organized, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez making key saves when required.
What’s Next for Argentina:
With the victory, Argentina will face the 4th place team from Group B in the Copa América 2021 quarter-finals. At this stage of the competition, Argentina will be aiming to build on their momentum and challenge for the title.
What’s Next for Paraguay:
While Paraguay put up a good fight, they failed to advance past the group stage of the tournament. They will now look ahead to their future fixtures and rebuild for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Despite their elimination, Paraguay displayed their resilience and competitiveness throughout the tournament, and they will look to build on their performance in future competitions.