Argentina 2-1 Chile
Well, without Messi, Argentina pull off a fantastic performance and secure three points. Aside from the consolation goal, Chile had nothing to offer and Argentina played them at their own game with a high-press and quick counter. Di Maria was once again fantastic scoring and assisting for his team and I now truly believe he is far more important to Argentina than Messi. Pizzi has a lot to do and has to find a way for Chile to rediscover their 2015 form.
That’s it from me, thanks so much for tuning in and sending me messages. This was a fun one. I’ll be back on Wednesday. Until then, have a great day tomorrow.
Updated
End of match - Argentina 2-1 Chile
And that does it. Argentina win it and get redemption.
Goal! Argentina 2-1 Chile (Fuenzalida 90+3)
90+3 min: A consolation goal for Chile as they score from a free kick.
90+1 min: Another chance for Argentina and Bravo goes down well to stop another shot.
90 min: We’re going to have 3 minutes of stoppage time and still come Argentina. Lamela tries to curl the shot in the box and whip it around to Bravo’s left but it goes wide.
88 min: A deflected cross by Chile gets cleared by Romero. Chile still hunting but not many players in the box. Pizzi needs to figure out what to do here. This team looks old.
85 min: Another great chance for La Albiceleste as Rojo comes in the box and headers it wide. Sub for Argentina as Gaitan comes off for Atletico Madrid’s Kranevitter.
He gives so much, sometimes you can’t just rely on him. Good point, Brian.
@lmechegaray Alexis is really struggling for form. As is the whole team, but for someone so capable of creating on his own, it's jarring
— Brian Weidy (@frostedweidies) June 7, 2016
83 min: Nearly another great chance for Argentina as a long ball catches every Chilean defender off guard, Bravo, however, picks up.
Love it.
📷#CopaAmerica La rivalidad solo es en la cancha. pic.twitter.com/SME6TbTUuZ
— NBC Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 7, 2016
81 min: Aranguiz comes off for Fuenzalida for Chile.
79 min: Lamela comes on for Di Maria as he gets a standing ovation. Goal, assist, yellow card. To me, he’s more important than Messi for Argentina.
77 min: Chile are really out of options and nothing is working out for them. They look like a team who need a break from summer tournaments.
73 min: Aguero comes on for Higuain. Class for class. A great shift for Gonzalo, leading the line upfront.
Yes, 100%. Remember, they have so much firepower it’s not even fair. Di Maria, in many ways is more important for the national team.
@lmechegaray are Argentina playing well without Messi???
— Mr J (@jnr_jinx) June 7, 2016
100% correct.
BTW if Chile lose tonight... Pizzi is already in the hotseat.
— Juan G. Arango (@JuanG_Arango) June 7, 2016
69 min: Yellow for Rojo. Chile had a great chance in the box but Argentina clear. They can’t keep throwing these away.
Here is the Medel/Di Maria scuffle.
Aquí no achanta nadie... Di María y Medel, juntitos. #CopaAmerica #Copa100 pic.twitter.com/GI4uhgrr1k
— La casa del fútbol (@casadelfutbol) June 7, 2016
67 min: Vargas off, Pinilla on for Chile. Vargas did not look happy to be subbed off.
64 min: Di Maria and Medel both receive yellows as they clash heads.
One from your truly...
BTW this is what every single CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier feels like. Exactly the same type of pace and aggression. #ARGvCHI #CopaAmerica
— LuisMiguelEchegaray (@lmechegaray) June 7, 2016
Here is the second goal.
#ARGvCHI: Gooooool, al 58', Banega marca el segundo para @Argentina con un tiro raso. #CopaAmerica https://t.co/VnI6OaV0PE
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) June 7, 2016
Goal! Argentina 2-0 Chile (Banega 58)
58 min: Great play by Argentina as it’s three on three and Di Maria gives it to Banega on the left hand side who places it on the left hand side. He needed that goal, and so did Argentina to widen the gap.
56 min: A great chance for Chile as a shot gets picked up by Romero inside the box. La Roja hunting for an equalizer.
Di Maria dedicated his goal to his grandmother.
Di María celebró el gol, pero en realidad se lo dedicó al ser más grande que pudo conocer en su vida.#CA2016 pic.twitter.com/KXCFqnQrzE
— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) June 7, 2016
53 min: Mena (injured) comes off for Orellana for Chile.
Here’s the goal from El Fideo.
Gooool de Di Maria. ¡Vamos Selección! Argentina 1-0 Chile https://t.co/TYIjqwpDrp
— CrackDeportivo (@crackdeportivo) June 7, 2016
Goal! Argentina 1-0 Chile (Di Maria 50)
50 min: What a great goal by Argentina! The pressing game works for them once again as the ball is picked up in the middle and Di Maria from the right hand side smashes it and it’s 1-0. Great goal.
48 min: Chile looking to break quick as they take a quick free kick and Alexis Sanchez breaks into the box and shoots, which only ends up in the hands of Romero.
Second half
45 min: Peep! We’re off. No changes for either side.
He should be loving this pressing game. P.S What’s up with the photo bomb bottom right?
Spotted Jurgen Kopp #CA2016 pic.twitter.com/CC0TzKL3rf
— Rik Sharma (@riksharma_) June 7, 2016
Alexis thinking he’s playing Man City.
Alexis Sánchez making a fool out of Nicolás Otamendi. #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/nYFSIbCQs8
— Ben Jata (@Ben_Jata) June 7, 2016
You’re a statistical angel sent from numerical heaven, Paul.
Chile completed more passes than Argentina in the 1st half (207-187).
— Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) June 7, 2016
Argentina completed over twice as many in the attacking 3rd (46-22).
Great to see.
Sold out match at @LevisStadium for #ARGvCHI This crowd is 🔥🔥🔥 #Copa100 pic.twitter.com/eeHksav4ok
— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 7, 2016
Half time
And that’s the end of the half. A lively half and just like last year’s final it’s 0-0 at the break. I’ll be back for the second half shortly.
45 min: We’re going to have one minute of added time.
43 min: Isla picks up a yellow as he brings down Gaitan. Free kick to Argentina, 25 yards out.
42 min: Higuain is working so hard to press but the biggest issue is that he keeps finding himself on wide areas when he collects the ball. A great cross into the box from Vargas sends the defenders into panic mode but Argentina clears.
38 min: As we close up the first half both teams are still pressing the game not allowing them to start play from the back. I feel as it will only take one mistake from the back....I’m looking at you Otamendi.
I’m thinking 75th minute but what’s 5 minutes between friends?
@lmechegaray given the pace and the openness of the match, it's all set up for Messi to come on at the 70 min mark and score two goals.
— David Soares Correia (@dsoarescorreia) June 7, 2016
This game has first 15 min pace with last 15 urgency. Me likey. #ARGvsCHI #CopaAmerica
— Kyle Martino (@kylemartino) June 7, 2016
What Andy said.
Alexis Sanchez on the jumbotron in Santa Clara shooting two snot rockets. Soccer truly is the beautiful game
— Andrew Keh (@andrewkeh) June 7, 2016
33 min: A dangerous free kick for Chile taken by Alexis Sanchez finds the target but Romero has no problem with it as he collects. Chile growing in confidence.
Side note: I will be SHOCKED if Vidal doesn’t get sent off. He is bordering on reckless.
Updated
29 min: What a fantastic save by Romero! The Chilean press pays off and Sanchez with a fantastic opportunity but Sergio with a great stop. Great stuff.
Here’s the missed attempt from Higuain, cross by Banega.
#ARGvCHI: 22'. 'Pipita' Higuaín se pierde la primera para @Argentina. #UDCentenario #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/w9LUpDCnJF
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) June 7, 2016
26 min: This is a classic CONMEBOL match as both teams look to attack without any regard for their defensive frailties. This is why we love soccer from the Americas.
We're about a quarter of the way in, and so far Argentina have come closer to scoring, but the balance of play has been pretty even.
— Sam Kelly (@HEGS_com) June 7, 2016
22 min: A fantastic counter-attacking run by Argentina that started from their own box! Di Maria with a great run looks for Banega who crosses it in but it’s out for a corner. Rojo just misses with a powerful header!
19 min: Di Maria with a beautiful drive in the box and Argentina appeal for a penalty but he was already falling before contact. No pen. Corner for Argentina gets cleared.
18 min: It’s a yellow for Vidal as he brings down Gaitan. An awful challenge. The Benfica striker receives treatment and Arturo Vidal now has to be careful.
16 min: The focus on possession that we talked about earlier is clearly present with Chile as they get more comfortable with the ball. A quick counter from Chile as Alexis Sanchez takes it to the box and crosses it but it’s picked up by Bravo.
12 min: It does seem like Argentina are giving Chile a dose of their own medicine as they are pressing high up the field with Higuain leading upfront. Free kick to Argentina in a dangerous area from the right hand side.
Here is the Gaitán effort.
Crossbar! Messi's replacement Gaitan nearly scores within two minutes. #ARGvsCHI #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/vcRzDsEax4
— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) June 7, 2016
8 min: Both teams still feeling each other out as there are still some sloppy passes in the first moments of the game. Gaitán, who looks very lively, drives through the middle, looks for Di Maria on the left hand side who takes a shot and goes wide.
4 min: Gaitan with an initial effort in the first minute headed it over the crossbar and since then it’s been what we expected. Argentina looking to possess with Chile aiming for the quick counter. A good pace to the game.
Updated
Kick-off
1 min: Peep! We’re off! Argentina and Chile wearing their home kits. La Albiceleste using Higuain as the sole striker as Di Maria and Gaitan will support.
Updated
The captains tonight, Barcelona team-mates, Claudio Bravo and Javier Mascherano. Next up, kick-off!
The teams are out and ready for the National Anthems. Argentina is first. Judging by the singing it appears there is a lot of support for La Albiceleste. It’s most definitely one of my favorite anthems. Next up is Chile (for a second time in two days) and the players turn to face their flag. Ok, maybe the stadium is split because I can also hear a lot of Chilean support. Oh no. Once again there is a malfunction with the music but Chile keeps singing. Get it together, Copa.
What the
Ese momento en el que la acompañante piensa: ¿De verdad era necesario que vinieras así?#CopaAmerica #Copa100 pic.twitter.com/kngH9c5QXP
— La casa del fútbol (@casadelfutbol) June 7, 2016
We are 10 minutes away from kick-off and the players are in the locker-rooms waiting to come out. A good turn out for this one. Stay tuned! We’re getting closer!
Friends forever.
#FairPlay el fútbol cruza fronteras y une a todos, los fans de @LaRoja y @Argentina listos para la #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/kKx8jINoWz
— NBC Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 7, 2016
Sign of the tournament thus far.
Updated
The teams are out warming up. It’s a beautiful day in Santa Clara as the players await kick-off. The field looks perfect and the stadium (home of the 49ers) filling up nicely.
Keepers are out.
#VamosArgentina Así salieron los arqueros argentinos al campo de juego del @LevisStadium. pic.twitter.com/hOnH5TN6eW
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) June 7, 2016
So here’s the big question for y’all. Can Argentina do this without Messi? Tweet at me.
Podrá #Argentina sin #Messi??? Esa es la pregunta.
— Pablo Mariño (@PabloFMarino) June 7, 2016
Here are the defending champs.
And here's how the defending #CopaAmerica champs will line up. #ARGvCHI pic.twitter.com/MyJzDd39Oj
— FS1 (@FS1) June 7, 2016
Here is Argentina. As presumed, Messi on the bench. Benfica’s Nicolás Gaitán gets the start.
Messi is on the bench, but Argentina still go into their #CopaAmerica opener with a strong XI. #ARGvCHI pic.twitter.com/1daGIGFJo9
— FS1 (@FS1) June 7, 2016
Hello everyone and welcome to one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament as Argentina - the favorites to win Copa America - face the reigning champions, Chile at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
This is a repeat of last year’s final when La Roja defeated Argentina in a penalty shootout and lifted the championship trophy for the first time in their history. A lot has changed since that encounter and it will be interesting to see how both teams approach this game.
The biggest talking point leading up to tonight has been Lionel Messi and his availability, if at all. La Pulga suffered a back injury during a warm-up game against Honduras, and whilst it’s clear he won’t start, the question remains whether we’ll see him on the pitch. My gut tells me it’s way too early and I’m sure Barcelona have done everything they can to make sure he’s not rushed into action but this is a big game for La Albiceleste as they look to restore some pride as they haven’t won a national team title since 1993. Basically, this team has come to play and Tata Martino is spoiled with talent. His attacking options go so far down the bench (Aguero, Higuain, Lavezzi, Di Maria, Banega, Gaitán) that I almost feel sorry for him having to decide who to pick and who he’ll let down. But who am I kidding? If that’s a problem then please keep them coming.
Despite all those options I still wish Paulo Dybala was here, by far my favorite new young Argentine to watch this season.
Chile, meanwhile, have been going through a major transition as they look for a new beginning since the departure of their legendary manager Jorge Sampaoli. Juan Antonio Pizzi is the new man on the hot seat and his biggest task is making sure his team adjust to a new era. One thing is for sure, his calm demeanor has been a breath of fresh air for the players as his philosophy in training focuses on the calm and the approachable, a contrast to Sampa’s hyperactive intensity. The question remains: Is this going to help or hurt Chile? On the field, however, the strategy will be similar to Sampaoli’s style, a combination of Guardiola-esque possession mixed with the suffocating pressing game of Marcelo Bielsa.
Tonight will be a fiery encounter as two giants of South America battle it out in California. Remember, you can email me or send me a tweet @lmechegaray.
I’ll be back with the line-ups.
Updated
Luis will be here shortly, in the meantime here’s how Mexico got on in their opener on Sunday:
Rafael Marquez and Hector Herrera scored late goals to lift Mexico over Uruguay 3-1 in their Copa América opener on Sunday night.
Marquez’s close-range shot in the 84th minute broke a 1-1 tie and Herrera’s header added another in added time. Mexico’s first was an own-goal by Uruguay’s Alvaro Pereira four minutes into the match. Marquez’s goal came 10 minutes after Diego Godin’s header levelled the scores for Uruguay at 1-1.
A vastly pro-Mexico crowd of 60,025 watched the match-up of what are considered the top teams in Group C.
The evening began on an odd note when the wrong national anthem was played for Uruguay in the pre-match ceremonies with the players visibly confused as the Chile anthem rang out round the stadium.
