Copa America 2021: Argentina edges past Colombia in penalties to reach 29th final

After nearly a month-long engaging action, the two finalists for the Copa America 2021 have been decided. Alongside defending champion Brazil, arch-rival Argentina would be joining it for the Grand Finale on Saturday.

While Brazil had edged past minnow Peru to seal its place in the final, Argentina managed to surpass Colombia similarly. In the same light, we present how the Argentines managed to fill their place.

First half
The opening half was mainly in favour of the Argentines despite five promising attempts being made. It took seven minutes for the Argentines to fire themselves into the lead, following a strike from Lautaro Martinez, while Lionel Messi came up with the assist.

Later, there were a couple of encouraging saves made by both the goalkeepers. Nevertheless, Colombia still looked very much into the game, despite Argentina leading at half-time.

Second half
The following half saw both the teams play it out intensely, with just three assuring attempts coming up. In the 61st minute, Luis Diaz drew the equaliser, following an assist from Edwin Cardona.

The following two attempts should have put Argentina back into the lead, only for some luck to favour the Colombians. David Ospina denied one in the goal line at 74th, while Anel Di Maria struck the bar in the 82nd, as it all ended square, thus forcing a penalty shootout.

Penalties
While it all started good in the shootout, Rodrigo De Paul missed the first for Argentina, immediately followed by Yerry Mina for Colombia. However, when it came to the decisive penalty for Colombia, Cardona's strike was denied by Emiliano Martinez to send Argentina into the final.

Stat: It was Messi's fifth assist in the tournament this term, which happens to be his highest in a single edition.

Reactions
Messi: "We have Emi, who is a phenomenon. We trusted him. We achieved the goal of being able to play all the games, and now, we are going to the final."

Lionel Scaloni (head coach): "We are very happy with Emiliano's performance, not only because of the penalties but also because of the security that he is transmitting. The group of defenders is permanently supported and we like that."

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