Eye Brazil: Argentina also wins with an earthly Messi. And Chile is strengthened by scandals.
La Albiceleste and La Roja are emerging as the top contenders for the host and last Copa América champion after sealing their place in the quarterfinals on Monday, when they still have one game left to close the group stage.
Captain Lionel Messi equaled the 147-game mark for Argentina’s national team, which belonged to former midfielder Javier Mascherano, in a close 1-0 victory over Paraguay. The star, with a physique that is beginning to feel the rigor of a strenuous season, was less prominent than in previous presentations. On this occasion, his team prevailed due to the defensive order.
“Another important victory to keep growing. Proud to have been able to wear the light blue and white as many times as my friend Masche, ”Messi posted on his social networks.
Argentina has several days of rest ahead of it before facing the decisive stage of the Copa América. In seven days he closes the first round against Bolivia, a commitment to which he could draw on several substitutes, although Messi should not be ruled out.
“He’s been playing every game and it’s very difficult not to count on him, honestly,” coach Lionel Scaloni said. “Even though he’s tired, he’s still making a difference.”
For the Argentines, leaders of Group A with seven points, it is vital to secure first place as this way they avoid running into Brazil before the final. They also require that their center-forwards – Lautaro Martínez, Sergio Agüero and Joaquín Correa – have a successful scorer, since they have not yet converted into the contest.
The affair to transgress the health bubble with a hairdresser did not divert Chile from its objective. With ten players in the final stretch due to Erick Pulgar’s injury, La Roja drew 1-1 against Uruguay.
“In Chile one is already used to it, they always look for things where there is no such thing as nothing,” said its highest figure Arturo Vidal, one of those involved. “We are very concentrated, we are united, we know that we made a mistake with the hairdresser, We didn’t want to do it badly, but hey, that’s it ”.
The Chilean federation itself reported that some players allowed the stylist to enter the concentration in Brazil, which is prohibited according to the protocols imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The scandal was reminiscent of what happened in the 2015 Copa América when Vidal himself suffered a car accident at a time when he had to be focused with the rest of the national team. After hitting his Ferrari, the Chilean star tested positive for breathalyzer tests. The story ended with La Roja lifting its first trophy.
Although it is classified, Chile (5) will not lower its guard on Thursday against Paraguay (3) with the aim of finishing at the top of its zone. The injuries of Guillermo Maripán, Vidal and Eduardo Vargas are worrying, who by scoring the goal against Uruguay adds up to 14 in the history of the Copa América and was three behind the Brazilian Zizinho and the Argentine Norberto Méndez, the top gunners.
A goal against Vidal himself ended the drought in Uruguay, which had four official games without scoring despite having two of the most prolific forwards on the continent, Luis Suárez and Edison Cavani.
La Celeste (1) should never be underestimated, but much more will be played than qualifying next Thursday against Bolivia (without points) at a time when criticism for the team’s low football production is beset.
“It has not been easy for us … we hope to endure the effort and fight for what we want, for the people who believe in the national team and for ourselves,” said veteran coach Oscar Tabárez.
La Verde will be able to count on its historical scorer Marcelo Martins, who complied with the sanction of a match imposed by CONMEBOL for his criticism of the organization after contracting COVID-19.
In Group B, in which Brazil is already classified with six points, the rest remains to be seen. With no room for another setback, Ecuador (1) will play a revitalized Peru (3) on Wednesday after achieving their first victory over Colombia (4).
The Colombians will also play a good part of their luck against the hosts.
Venezuela (2) will have a free day.
The four from each zone will compete in the quarterfinals from July 2.
–