ARGENTINA moved closer to a title repeat after defeating Canada, 2-0, in the 2024 Copa America semifinals on Tuesday night (Wednesday in the Philippines) at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.
Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi knocked down a goal each as the defending champions Argentina advanced in the knockout finals round on Sunday night (Monday in in the Philippines) against either Uruguay or Colombia.
Alvarez broke the scoreless deadlock in the 22nd minute as he connected a right-footed shot from the center of the box to the middle of the goal from a pass by Rodrigo De Paul.
Argentina’s lead was doubled early in the second half as Messi drilled a left-footed shot from close range towards the center of the target for his first-ever goal of the tournament.
“It’s not easy to be in the finals again, we need to enjoy, enjoy every moment,” Messi said after the match. “Personally, I am aware that these are the last battles for me, I am enjoying them to the fullest.”
In Euro 2024, Lamine Yamal showed the way for Spain as they scored a 2-1 victory over France in the semifinal round at the Munich Football Arena in Munich, Germany.
France took an early lead when Randal Kolo Muani headed in a cross from Kylian Mbappé, but Yamal quickly equalized the match with a 21-minute conversion outside the box.
Spain then took the lead for good in the 25th minute as Dani Olmo’s goalbound-shot was accidentally tapped in by France defender Jules Koundé.
“I don’t try to think about it too much, just enjoy myself and help the team, and if it goes my way, then I am happy (for the goal) and for the win,” said Yamal, who became the youngest player to score in Euro history at 16 years of age.
Spain, which is chasing a record fourth European Championship title, will play either England or the Netherlands in the final on Sunday night (Monday morning in Manila) in Berlin./PN
