Clik here to view.
Photo by Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports
Argentina faced the reigning Copa America champions without the services of the tournament’s best player, but a pair of midfield maestros stepped up to lead La Albiceleste to victory on Monday night.
In a rematch of last year’s Copa America final, Argentina overcame the absence of Lionel Messi to exact revenge against Chile with a 2-1 victory at Levi’s Stadium. The victory sees Argentina join Panama atop Group D with three points after the CONCACAF side toppled Bolivia earlier in the day.
Angel Di Maria broke the deadlock in the 51st minute after proving a menace in the first half. Following a midfield turnover by Chile, Argentina broke free through Ever Banega. The recently-signed Inter Milan midfielder slid in Di Maria, who took a touch before firing past Claudio Bravo with a left-footed shot, making the score 1-0 to the world’s top-ranked team.
Just eight minutes later, Banega bagged a goal of his own to push the lead to two. Moments after Sergio Romero made a save on the other end, Banega saw Di Maria return the favor with a pass into the left side of the box. Banega’s shot defected off the toe of Mauricio Isla, leaving Bravo helpless as the shot flew into the near post.
Argentina started the game on the front foot, firing five shots before Chile could muster an attempt on goal. Nicholas Gaitian’s second-minute header trickled over the bar, while Marcos Rojo headed a shot just wide in the 23rd minute.
However, it was Chile that would provide the game’s biggest first half scare, as Alexis Sanchez forced Sergio Romero into a big save in the 30th minute. Romero snagged a Sanchez free kick just four minutes later, sending the game into halftime scoreless.
The second half would prove all Argentina, despite a late consolation goal from Jose Fuenzalida. Di Maria, Banega and co. faces Panama on June 10 in their next group stage match, while Chile looks to return to form the same day against Bolivia.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Throughout Monday’s clash, Angel di Maria was Argentina’s most creative player on the pitch. The Paris Saint-Germain playmaker opened the scoring early in the second half before assisting on the insurance goal, sealing an opening game victory for the tournament favorites.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Just eight minutes after getting the opener, Argentina removed all doubt as Ever Banega slammed home the game’s second to all but end Chile’s hopes of a result.
MATCH TO FORGET
The Chile goalkeeper was helpless on the second due to a deflection, but Claudio Bravo would probably like to have another chance at stopping Angel di Maria’s opener. Bravo is one of the best in the tournament, so expect a bounce-back performance from both the Barcelona goalkeeper and his national team.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
