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regular-article-logo Saturday, 04 May 2024

Copa America: Argentina beat Colombia on penalties, set up final date with Brazil

Lionel Messi hails goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for his heroics between the sticks.

Our Bureau Published 07.07.21, 09:54 AM
Lionel Messi and Neymar will lock horns on July 11.

Lionel Messi and Neymar will lock horns on July 11. Graphics: Tiyasa Das

The world of football is discussing spot kicks right now.

At the Wembley Stadium, Italy pipped Spain 4-2 on penalties, while Argentina marched into the Copa America final beating Colombia 3-2 in a shootout in Brasilia.

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Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was the hero for Argentina as he blocked shots from Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona. For the Albiceleste, Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martinez scored from the spot to set up a final date with neighbours and old rivals Brazil.

Calling Martinez a monster between the sticks, Messi said, “Penalty Shootout is total luck, but we knew Emiliano will stop at least 2. He deserves it, he is a monster of a keeper.”

The first 90 minutes and the extra time ended in a 1-1 draw. For Lionel Scaloni's side, Lautaro Martinez scored in the seventh minute, but then Luis Diaz equalised for the Colombians in the second half.

Messi continued to heap praise on Martinez, saying, "“At times it became difficult, but we have Emiliano Martinez who is a phenomenon. We trusted him. We achieved the goal of being able to play every game and now we’re going through the final."

The Argentine legend is just one match away from winning his first major tournament with the Albiceleste. But he has a dominant Brazil to tackle in the summit showdown.

Neymar, soon after reaching the final after beating Peru on Monday, said, “I want Argentina, I am cheering them on. I have friends there and in the final Brazil will win.”

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