Copa America 2016: Argentina’s Cold Revenge For Copa 2015 Final! Beats Chile 2-1

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Anirban Das
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Argentina are off to a flying start as they beat Chile 2-1 in the group stage clash of Centenario Copa America 2016. One goal and assist each from PSG midfielder Angel di Maria and Ever Banega placed Argentina at the top of Group D.

Argentina looked positive from the very beginning with an early chance coming in the 3rd minute. Rojo whipped in a cross to find Gaitan whose header was denied by the crossbar.

[commentary match_id=2036319]

Gaitan looked in blazing form in the opening minutes and was instrumental in setting up a crucial chance for Angel di Maria in the 9th Minute. Gaitan rolled the ball to find Di Maria on the left, who shot went just wide of the far post.

Even without Lionel Messi on the field, Argentina well clearly dominant in the initial minutes with repeated counter-attacks and playing it wide down the wings. An impressive run from Ever Banega opened up a scoring chance for Argentina in the 23rd minute. Banega produced a low cross towards the near post to find Higuain, whose shot was deflected by Medel to deny him the opener.

Chile stepped up their game half way down the first half to snatch the control over the midfield. The midfield trio with the likes of Vidal, Diaz and Aranguiz impressed with their impeccable work rates, moving the ball up and down the pitch, running down the wings and whipping in clinical crosses on to the box.

Sloppy defending from Funes Mori gifted Sanchez a clear sight at goal but his shot was well blocked by Romero who knocked it behind for a corner.

Chile had another golden chance in the dying minutes of the first half. The Arsenal midfielder Sanchez deceived his marker with a swift turn to find Beausejour in space on the left. The winger tried to find Vargas near the far post but Mori managed to clear the ball on time.

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The match looked even for anyone to steal after a scoreless first half. Argentina came back with a bang after the restart with an incredible counter-attacking display to dismantle the Chilean back line, who completely lost shape with no one backing each other up.

Di Maria scored he opener for Argentina in the 51st minute. Banega intercepted Aranguiz in the midfield and delivered a through ball to find Di Maria. The PSG winger made no mistakes and fired a shot to beat Bravo at the near post.

Banega doubled the lead in the 59th minute with a clinical finish. Di Maria played it through to find Banega on the left, whose shot took a deflection off Isla to deceive Bravo at the near post.

Jose Pedro pulled on back for Chile in the injury time. Foolish judgement from Romero saw him moving forward from his line in an attempt to stop a cross beyond his reach. Pedro kept his cool to head the ball into the net past the goalkeeper.

 #CopaAmerica 2016: Full Time #Argentina 2, #CHILE 1 #ARGvCHI https://t.co/qmD9II9M26

— FootTheBall (@FootTheBall) June 7, 2016

 

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Anirban Das
Anirban Das
Anirban Das's journey to Delhi via Kolkata involves football, music, curiosity (which one day can kill the cat) and food. Following global football opens up an infinite space within him in both the conscious and subconscious self, away from the din and bustle of the madding crowd. Supports Manchester United & Barcelona
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