Argentina beat Chile to reach Copa América knockouts; History for Canada | OneFootball

Matchday 2 of Copa América 2024 was underway on Tuesday, with two games scheduled. Here is what went down!

Argentina leave it late to pip Chile

Scorer: Martinez 88′

Argentina booked their spot in the knockouts after a slim 1-0 win over rivals Chile despite 21 shots to three.

In the opening minutes, neither side had much to work with, as the ball was largely in the air rather than on the ground. But Argentina eventually dominated the pitch at MetLife Stadium.

Julián Álvarez, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolás González led the way for the World Cup winners but lacked that final touch.

One Lionel Messi was spotted getting treatment on his inner thigh, which will be something to watch throughout the tournament. However, he still pulled out his brilliance with a long-range effort that clipped off the post.

Chile, meanwhile, didn’t register their first shot after 75 minutes of action. They had Claudio Bravo to thank for keeping them in the match, with the goalkeeper making three big stops.

They did eventually make Argentina sweat, though. Emiliano Martínez was forced to make three saves in the final 15 minutes, leaving him yelling at the defenders in front of him.

It wasn’t until super-sub Lautaro Martínez roofed the ball into the net for his second goal in as many games that the holders earned all three points at the death.

Canada dig deep to crack 10-man Peru

Scorer: David 74′. Red: Araujo 59′.

Tournament debutants Canada earned their first win under new boss Jesse Marsch after beating 10-man Peru 1-0.

As the underdogs in Group A, both teams wanted to make a statement with their hearts set on the knockouts. And boy, did this match deliver the drama.

The Peruvians were on top through the first half and pinned the Canadians in their own box. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau kept things deadlocked after Gianluca Lapadula’s header was ruled offside.

Red cards were then the focus. VAR first decided Marcos López’s headbutt on Alistair Johnston was clean before Miguel Araujo was later sent off for a high challenge on substitute Jacob Shaffelburg.

In between both incidents, an assistant referee was also stretchered off after appearing to faint from the sweltering heat.

Shaffelburg’s shin later proved to be fine, though, as the 24-year-old led Canada forward on the counter. He teed up Jonathan David who made no mistake to score his 27th goal and the first of the Marsch era.

Despite being a man down Peru didn’t give up and almost stole a dramatic point. Crépeau saved a volley from Christian Cueva before also denying Paolo Guerrero’s free-kick late on.