Argentina are once again the champions of South America after winning the Copa America with a 1-0 win over Columbia.
The defending champions retained their crown thanks to an extra time goal from Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and the celebrations were wild throughout Argentina.
The Road to Victory
Argentina raced through group stages with a 100 percent record as they secured nine points with comfortable wins against Canada, Chile, and Peru.
Waiting for Lionel Scaloni’s men in the last eight were Ecuador and after holding Argentina, they were eventually defeated 4-2 on penalties.
In the semi-finals, Argentina once again had to overcome Canada with Lionel Messi scoring in a 2-0 victory.
That meant it was Columbia in the final where Argentina became champions again thanks to a brilliant finish in extra time from Lautaro Martinez.
Standout Players
Although major tournaments for Argentina tend to focus on Argentina, it was Lautaro Martinez who stole the show as his fifth goal of the tournament was enough to secure his nation the trophy.
Messi did play his part in the competition as he helped out in Argentina’s attacking play enabling Martinez to flourish so much.
In midfield, Argentina’s reliable pairing of Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez allowed them to dominate the ball for large periods.
The Final
Argentina’s final against Columbia was a cagey affair with both teams unwilling to take chances in the attacking areas of the pitch.
A second half ankle injury to Lionel Messi reduced the legendary player to tears as he had to sit out the rest of the game as it went into extra time.
With just minutes remaining before a penalty shootout, Argentina cut Columbia open down the right-hand side with Lautaro Martinez in plenty of space.
A brilliant finish gave the goalkeeper no chance as the Argentina players frantically celebrated another victory in the Copa America.
Tactical Analysis
Scaloni’s tactical approach that focuses on possession-based football at a quick pace was enough to win the World Cup and it worked again in the Copa America.
Using their excellent midfield to keep the ball moving swiftly, Argentina can move teams around leaving gaps in the defence for their star players to exploit.
With Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez the ideal players to capitalise on these chances, Argentina know they’ll have the opportunity to take advantage.
Reactions and Celebrations
Argentina fans know how to celebrate and with the final taking place in America, the mood was instantly transferred to Buenos Aires and the remainder of Argentina.
Despite missing a vast portion of the game, Lionel Messi couldn’t hide his delight as he lifted the trophy for a second time.
Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina manager was also full of joy as he spoke after the game.
“I’m very happy because the people are happy, they have a moment of happiness and that’s what the players play for,” said the successful coach in the game’s immediate aftermath.
Historical Context
The win for Argentina enhances their dominance in the competition as they now move onto 16 titles which is one more than Uruguay.
They also become the first country to retain the crown since Chile’s dominant period during the middle of last decade.
Argentina’s lengthy rivalry with Brazil is well publicised but they’re now well ahead of their enemies who are only on nine titles.
Impact on Argentine Football
Argentina is a football mad country, and any success will be celebrated wildly by all ages with children also benefitting greatly.
The region has often had a football hero and with Lautaro Martinez the superstar of this tournament, young Argentine players will be eager to emulate the Inter Milan forward.
This result will be celebrated for a long time and those at the Argentine FA will be confident of a knock-on effect for future generations.
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