The match of the 2019 Copa America quarter-final between Venezuela and Argentina was just over, and Argentina managed to overthrow Venezuela by a score of 2-0.
Quoting AFP on Saturday (29/6), the two goals were contributed by Lautaro Martinez in the 10th minute, and Giovani Lo Celso in the 74th minute.
This victory automatically makes Argentina qualify for the semi-finals. However, the match which was held at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was not easy for Argentina because it was quite hard and was colored with six yellow cards.
Argentina immediately pressed from early match. The first chance is in the eighth minute. Marcos Acuna failed to take advantage of a clean opportunity in front of goal. Two minutes later, Argentina scored. Lautaro Martinez who listed his name on the scoreboard.
The goal started from Lionel Messi’s corner kick. Sergio Aguero welcomed him with a kick, which Venezuelan players could block. A wild ball inside the penalty box can be cheated by Martinez with the heel, into the goal.
Until the game ran for half an hour, Argentina had not yet received a significant threat. Venezuela have not been able to penetrate the Tim Tango defense, Lionel Scaloni’s goalkeeper is still clear from the shot. Argentina excelled in possession with a record 61 percent ball possession.
German Pazzella failed to take advantage of Messi’s free kick in the 37th minute. Pazzella’s header went wide. Venezuela got the first chance through a corner kick in the 41st minute. The opportunity failed to be utilized, Jhon Chancellor’s header had not yet reached the field.
Messi’s free kick ahead of the first half finished also could not double Argentina’s advantage. The ball is weak towards the goal. Important clearance is made by Venezuelan player Luis Del Pino in the first half of injury time.
Acuna’s drag feed leads to the far post, Martinez has been waiting but Del Pino can go ahead to secure the Venezuelan goal. Until the break there were no more goals, Argentina led one goal at halftime.
After the restart, Argentina continued to attack. Leandro Daniel Paredes’ breakthrough bait in the 48th minute could be mastered by Martinez. Got an open opportunity, he failed to direct the ball into the goal.
Argentina’s fast attack in the 55th minute ended in vain. Aguero failed to make the last kick when he was near the goalkeeper.
The Venezuelan player, Darwin Machi, was dropped by the Argentine defender in the penalty box in the 64th minute. Referee did not point to the white spot.
Venezuela’s opportunity via Ronald Hernandez’s kick in the 71st minute has not produced results. Argentine goalkeeper Franco Armani made a save.
Aguero opened fire in the 75th minute, the ball could be anticipated by Venezuelan goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez. Giovani Lo Celso swiftly grabbed the ball, bringing Argentina two goals ahead.
Venezuela got a chance in the 84th minute. Solomon Rondon’s header was right on target, Armani could brush off the ball. In the rest of the game there were no additional goals, Argentina won two goals without reply.
With this victory, this means that Argentina will meet Brazil in the semifinals. Brazil advanced to the last four after a 4-3 win over Paraguay on penalties. Both teams drew 0-0 in normal time and two extra rounds.
Venezuela qualified for the quarter-finals after becoming runner-up in Group A under Brazil who won the group. While Argentina also runner up in Group B behind Colombia. Previously, Venzuela coach Rafael Dudamel said that he should never think of being able to stop Lionel Messi when his team faced Argentina on Friday (28/6).
