Argentina defeated Colombia in the second semi finals of the 2021 Copa America to set up a huge clash with Brazil in the finals. The match had to be decided on penalties after the two teams finished 1-1 after extra time.
Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring early, assisted by Lionel Messi who provided his fifth of the tournament. Colombia had their chances in the first half as well, but hit the woodwork a minute apart to deny them the goals that could have been.
The second half saw Argentina fall asleep after a restart, and concede the equaliser to Colombia. Luis Diaz then managed to chip the ball over Emiliano Martinez from a very tight angle to give his country a fighting chance in the game.
Argentina had a great chance in the 74th minute, with the goalkeeper away from the post as well. But Lautaro Martinez was denied the opportunity to bury the game by a goalline clearance from Wilmar Barrios, who put his body on the line to save the goal.
Rodrigo De Paul missed the only penalty for Argentina, while Emiliano Martinez showed his brilliance yet again as he saved three penalties without hesitation to send his team to the finals of the competition.Â
This will be Lionel Messi’s fifth final in a major competition, and could finally see him lift silverware for his country for the first time in his career.
