Argentina Beats Peru 2-0: Martinez Stars As Team Advances In Copa America
Lautaro Martinez's impressive scoring streak continued as Argentina secured the top spot in Group A with a 2-0 win over Peru, who were eliminated from the tournament. With Lionel Messi sidelined due to a groin injury, Martinez stepped up, netting twice in the second half to ensure victory after a sluggish first period at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
Despite Leandro Paredes missing a penalty, Peru failed to pose any significant threat in what was a must-win match for them. Argentina will now face the runner-up of Group B in the quarter-finals, while Canada took second place in Group A after their goalless draw with Chile. Peru exited early from the competition.
Even without Messi and manager Lionel Scaloni, who was serving a touchline ban, Argentina managed to shine. Martinez has been pivotal throughout the group stage, scoring in all three matches and leading the race for the Golden Boot with four goals. His contributions have been crucial, especially his late winner against Chile that secured Argentina's place in the knockout stages.
The first half saw Argentina struggle to create clear chances. Alejandro Garnacho's deflected shot was their only notable attempt in the opening 25 minutes. The goalkeeper had to make a crucial save shortly after to deny Paredes' free-kick from finding the top-left corner. Giovani Lo Celso had an opportunity just before half-time, but his shot was saved by Gallese, and Garnacho missed the rebound.
This year's Copa America has been forgettable for Peru, who exited with just one point and no victories for the first time since 1995. They needed a win and hoped for a draw between Canada and Chile to advance but managed only six shots against Argentina, finishing with an expected goals tally of 0.14 from their three matches without scoring.
Argentina started slowly but improved significantly after half-time. Angel Di Maria set up Martinez for the opener just two minutes into the second half with a deft chip over Gallese. Nicolas Tagliafico thought he had doubled their lead soon after but his goal was disallowed due to Lo Celso being offside.
In another chance to extend their lead, Jesus Castillo was penalised for handball in the box in the 69th minute. However, Paredes hit the post with his powerful penalty kick. Martinez then sealed the win with another well-taken goal in the 86th minute, lifting it over Gallese once more.
Franco Zanelatto almost scored a consolation for Peru late on but his header hit the post and rolled agonisingly across the goal line. Despite their struggles, Argentina's performance without Messi shows their depth and resilience as they aim to defend their title.
Argentina’s slow start might have worried fans initially but they found their rhythm eventually. Their defence held firm as Peru’s front three of Bryan Reyna, Paolo Guerrero, and Edison Flores failed to register a single shot on target.
#CopaAmrica @Argentina 2 (Lautaro Martnez x2) #Per 0 Final del partido! El elenco comandado por Lionel #Scaloni jugar el prximo jueves por cuartos de final.pic.twitter.com/XcNFk1ifE0
— Seleccin Argentina (@Argentina) June 30, 2024
This marks only the third time this century that Argentina has won all three group games in Copa America. In previous instances (2007 and 2016), they finished as runners-up. Scaloni hopes this year they can go one step further and retain their title.
The hot streak rolls on pic.twitter.com/QK9h9bECLP
— CONMEBOL Copa Amrica ENG (@copaamerica_ENG) June 30, 2024
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