Monday, 15 July 2024

Football Highlight - COPA AMERICA 2024

 You Tube : Argentina vs Colombia

Defending champions Argentina overcame the loss of Lionel Messi to win a record 16th Copa América title by beating Colombia 1-0, thanks to a late extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martínez at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.

Inter Milan striker Martínez, the tournament's leading goal scorer, latched onto a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso before lifting his effort over advancing Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute.

Messi appeared to suffer a noncontact injury while running and falling in the 64th minute and covered his face with his hands when he sat on the bench.

Martínez later ran to the bench to hug his captain after the goal that propelled Argentina to surpass Uruguay for the most Copa América titles.

The win also marked Angel Di Maria's final Argentina match after the 36-year-old said last year he would retire from international football after the Copa, while defender Nicolas Otamendi, 36, is also set to end his international career.

"The truth is, this was written, it was this way," Di Maria said. "I dreamed it, I dreamed that I would arrive to the final and win it and retire in this way.

"I have so many beautiful feelings and I am eternally grateful to this generation and today I am leaving in this way with a title."

In a match that started over 75 minutes late because of crowd trouble at Hard Rock Stadium, Argentina won their third straight major title following the 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup and matched Spain, who won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships around the 2010 World Cup.

Argentina players celebrate after winning the 2024 Copa America, their record 16th victory at the tournament.


Argentina also stopped Colombia's 28-game unbeaten streak dating to a February 2022 loss to the Albiceleste, when Martínez also scored the only goal.

Martínez entered in the 97th minute and scored from Giovani Lo Celso's perfect through pass. Just inside the penalty area, Martínez sent a right-foot shot through the upraised arms of sliding goalkeeper Camilo Vargas for his 29th international goal, his tournament-high fifth.

Making his 39th and possibly last Copa América appearance at age 37, Messi had one goal in the tournament. He went down after his ankle was stepped on in the first half but remained in the game.

"Messi had to leave because of that ankle problem, but finally we were able to give him some joy," Di Maria, who jointly lifted the trophy alongside captain Messi and Otamendi at the presentation ceremony, added.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi looked to the bench as soon as he fell to the field in the second half, appearing to know his tournament was over. He took off his right boot as he walked off and slammed it in frustration, and his ankle appeared to swell.

The start was delayed from 8 p.m. ET to 9:22 p.m. because of crowd control issuesoutside the stadium, including troves of fans breaching security gates at a venue to be used for the 2026 World Cup.

Days after Uruguay players were involved in a brawl with Colombia fans following their semifinal match in Charlotte, North Carolina, video showed fans climbing fences and railings to get inside the championship match, with officials unable to keep track of who had purchased tickets and who hadn't.

Colombia was more aggressive and forced goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to make four saves in the first half, but Argentina began to threaten more in the second.

Nicolás Tagliafico thought he scored in the 75th minute but was ruled offside. Nicolas Gonzalez, who replaced Messi, was stopped by Vargas in the 95th minute.

Numerous players lost their footing during the second half of Sunday's match. The grass was heavily watered with sprinklers following the half-time performance by Colombian pop star Shakira, which caused an extended half-time break.

Football Highlight - COPA AMERICA 2024

 You Tube : Uruguay vs Colombia

James Rodríguez served up his sixth assist of the tournament to help 10-man Colombia beat Uruguay 1-0 in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday to set up a Copa América final against Argentina, before the night descended into chaos as players clashed with fans.

Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the first semifinal on Tuesday to book their place in Sunday's final in Miami Gardens, Florida. 

Victory for Colombia on Wednesday meant they extended their unbeaten run to a team-record 28 games, dating back to a loss to Argentina in February 2022.

In a contentious match that included seven yellow cards and one red, players from both teams pushed and shoved in a scrum on the field at the final whistle. Darwin Núñez and about a dozen Uruguay teammates then went into the stands as fans brawled. A video showed Núñez hitting a fan in Colombian team colours.

Jefferson Lerma scored the only goal in front of a fervent and overwhelmingly pro-Colombia crowd of 70,644 at Bank of America Stadium when he headed in a deep corner from James in the 39th minute.

James becomes the first South American player with six assists at a single major tournament since Pelé for Brazil at the 1970 World Cup.

James Rodríguez was again Colombia's inspiration in their semifinal win over Uruguay.


Colombia's task of maintaining their advantage was complicated when defender Daniel Muñoz was sent off in first-half stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card for swinging an elbow at Uruguay's Manuel Ugarte. Muñoz received his first yellow card from Mexican referee César Ramos in the 31st minute for a reckless slide tackle on Maximiliano Araújo.

Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez failed to take advantage of multiple first-half opportunities, with Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas not having to make his first save until he stopped Nicolás de la Cruz's attempt in the 68th minute.

Substitute Luis Suárez, Uruguay's career leader with 68 goals, hit the outside of a post with a shot in the 71st as Uruguay struggled to find a breakthrough against the 10 men.

Colombia's Mateus Uribe, another second-half sub, put an open shot wide in the 88th, and Uribe's open shot in the fourth minute of stoppage time ricocheted off the body of sliding goalkeeper Sergio Rochet then the crossbar.

But one goal proved enough for Colombia to reach their third Copa América final and first since winning their only title as hosts in 2001.

After the game, videos showed Uruguay players wading into the stands to exchange blows with Colombia fans as police personnel tried to keep the two sides apart.

Uruguay captain Jose Maria Gimenez said the players were trying to defend their families.

"Let me say something before they cut you off because they won't let us speak into the microphone, they don't want me to say anything about what's going on but this is a disaster," Gimenez said on the official broadcast. "Please be careful, our families are in the stands, there are little newborn babies. It was a disaster; there was no police and we had to defend our families.

Argentina are seeking a record 16th Copa América title and looking to join Spain as the only countries to win three straight major titles.

Wednesday's match was played in 90-degree heat on a surface that was converted from artificial turf to grass in the weeks leading up to the contest.

Uruguay will face Canada in the third-place playoff on Saturday.

Football Highlight - COPA AMERICA 2024

 You Tube : Argentina vs Canada

Lionel Messi scored his 109th international goal and first of the tournament, leading defending champion Argentina over Canada 2-0 on Tuesday night and into the Copa América final.

Julián Álvarez put the Albiceleste ahead in the 22nd minute, and Messi redirected Enzo Fernández's shot in off goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau in the 51st. Messi has 28 goals in his past 25 matches for Argentina and 14 in Copa America play, three shy of the record.

Only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo with 130 has more men's international goals than Messi, who turned 37 on June 24.

With a victory on its independence day, Argentina extended its unbeaten streak to 10 games. The Albiceleste seek a record 16th Copa title when they play Uruguay or Colombia on Sunday at Miami Gardens, Florida.

Trying to string together championships in consecutive Copa Américas around the 2022 World Cup championship, Argentina is trying to match the feat of Spain when La Roja won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships along with the 2010 World Cup.

"It's insane what this team has done, what the Argentina national team is doing," Messi said. "For those who remain from the old guard, it's beyond impressive that the national team is in another final."

Argentina fans gathered in Times Square on the eve of the match and filled the streets of Manhattan before heading to MetLife Stadium, site of the 2026 World Cup final. The crowd of 80,102 on a night with an 82 degree temperature and 82% humidity was overwhelmingly pro-Argentina, with only a few sections dominated by red-clad Canadian supporters.

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against Canada in the Copa America.

It was among the biggest games for Canadian soccer, which went 0-6 in its only World Cup appearances in 1986 and 2022 and won its only major title at the 2000 Concacaf Gold Cup. Argentina had beaten Canada 2-0 in the tournament opener June 20.

Canada star Alphonso Davies limped off after his right leg was caught in a clean challenge with Gonzalo Montiel, and he was replaced in the 71st minute.

Making his 38th Copa América appearance, Messi had missed Argentina's group stage finale because of a leg injury and was subdued while playing 90 minutes in the quarterfinal win over Ecuador.

He was just wide from the top of the penalty area in the 12th minute after exchanging passes with Ángel Di María, then wide again in the 44th and put a chip over the crossbar in first-half injury time.

MetLife's temporary grass surface appeared heavy, with water splashing and sand popping up during dribbles.

"It's has been a very difficult Copa América, very competitive, bad surfaces, excessive heat," Messi said.

Argentina went ahead after Rodrigo De Paul from the center circle played a long pass to Álvarez, who took a touch at the top of the arc to control the ball from Moïse Bombito. Álvarez took another touch to create space from Bombito and from near the penalty spot slipped the ball between the legs of Crépeau for his ninth goal in 35 international appearances.

Messi scored following a throw-in. He centered the ball to De Paul, who ran to the end line and cut the ball back. Koné's attempted clearance went to Fernández, who teed up a shot that Messi redirected from just inside the 6-yard box.

"I just put myself in the middle of it," Messi said. "I wasn't sure if Enzo's ball was going to get in. It was a reflex."

Jonathan David was thwarted by Emiliano Martínez from close range in first-half stoppage time, and Martínez made a kick save on Tani Oluwaseyi in the 80th.

For Canada, the defeat ends a remarkable run in which they defied expectations and performed better than their higher-ranked Concacaf rivals Mexico and the United States, their fellow co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup.

"They're the best team in the world, but at the same time we had our chances in the beginning of the game," midfielder Stephen Eustaquio told Canadian broadcaster TSN. "If we scored one of our chances, the story of the game would probably have been different.

"To get here, the last four of the Copa America, it's a big achievement."


Sunday, 7 July 2024

Football Highlight : COPA AMERICA 2024

 You Tube : Uruguay vs Brazil

Uruguay beat Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Saturday after a bruising 0-0 draw to march into the semifinals of the Copa América, where they will face Colombia.

Sergio Rochet saved Brazil's first penalty in the shootout from Éder Militão, and his teammate Douglas Luiz hit the post to give Uruguay the upper hand.

Although keeper Alisson Becker denied José María Giménez and Gabriel Martinelli scored to keep Brazil alive, Manuel Ugarte buried the decisive spot kick as Uruguay advanced.

With Vinícius Júnior suspended for Brazil and watching from the stands, Dorival Junior's side struggled to create opportunities despite having a man advantage late in the second half when Uruguay's Nahitan Nández was sent off.

"It was a very tense match, against a very tough opponent, suffering in the last minutes a man down. But we showed character despite our youth," Rochet said.

"To finish with penalties and winning, I was able to save one ... The truth is that it is a tremendous happiness that this group deserves, the country deserves it. We are very excited, so we are going for more."

Manuel Ugarte celebrates after scoring the winning penalty as Uruguay beat Brazil.


In a bruising encounter with 41 fouls from both teams, players from both sides were involved in physical battles across the pitch.

Brazil forward Endrick, 17, was on the receiving end of brutal challenges as a high-pressing Uruguay refused to give him space to breathe.

On one occasion, Raphinha acted out when Endrick was pushed to the ground by Ronald Araújo as the Brazil skipper retaliated in anger by shoving back before the referee stepped in and had a stern word with both players, keeping his cards in his pocket.

But Araújo's night ended early when he was taken off with an injury after the half-hour mark, and the match suddenly burst into life moments later when Darwin Núñez missed a close-range header.

Within seconds, Raphinha saw his shot on a counterattack thwarted by keeper Rochet, Brazil's best chance of the half.

With Uruguay unable to find a way through, coach Marcelo Bielsa made three substitutions by the 67th minute, but his plans were foiled when Nández saw red following a VAR review for a painful tackle on Rodrygo.

Nández attempted to take the ball off the Brazilian with a studs-up challenge but only ended up catching his ankle. The Real Madrid winger escaped any serious injury and was able to continue.

However, Brazil could not score against 10 men as Uruguay sat back in numbers and shut shop, opting to try their luck in the penalty shootout with no extra time in the Copa América apart from the final.

The Seleção already were without Neymar, who hasn't played since tearing a knee ligament last fall during Brazil's loss to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier.

That victory was Uruguay's first over Brazil in 13 meetings since 2001, but famed coach Bielsa's Uruguay have now beaten Brazil in back-to-back matches for the first time since 1992.

For Brazil, it is a second straight quarterfinal exit via penalties in a major tournament following their 2022 World Cup loss to Croatia.

"We want to put Brazil at the top, we will continue working and preparing for the World Cup [qualifiers]," Endrick said.

"We know that this is a difficult moment, but we hope to have the support of all Brazilians."


Football Highlight : COPA AMERICA 2024

You Tube :  Colombia vs Panama


James Rodríguez scored one goal and set up two more as Colombia thoroughly dismantled Panama in a 5-0 win at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday to march into the Copa América semifinals.

Los Cafeteros are through to the semifinals for the third time in four editions and they will face Uruguay, who beat Brazil in a shootout later on Saturday, in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday.

"The most important thing is still to come. We hope to reach the final," said Rodriguez, who was named player of the match.

"I am very happy because we are going through a good moment. Today we played a good game and scored the goals quickly."

Striker Jhon Cordoba outmuscled his marker to head in a corner and give Colombia the lead in the eighth minute, before captain Rodriguez smashed home a penalty after Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera brought down Jhon Arias.

Rodríguez stepped up to the spot and smashed his effort into the roof of the net in the 15th minute.

Panama had a brief spell of pressure midway through the first half, with their best chance coming in the 19th minute when Roderick Miller's header bounced off the post and directly at goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who displayed great reflexes to swat it away from goal.



Colombia weathered the storm and punished their opponents from another set piece in the 41st minute, as Rodriguez played in Luis Díaz with a quick free kick and the Liverpool winger lobbed his shot over Mosquera from the edge of the area.

"We know what kind of foot James has and one look is enough. He saw me and I scored the pass. It was a nice goal. We are very in sync and we hope to keep on winning for the fans," Díaz said.

Colombia eased off the throttle in the second half as they looked to control the game and see out the victory, but they were still the better side by far.

They scored their fourth goal in the 70th minute after Richard Ríos took advantage of some confusion in the Panama ranks in the aftermath of a foul to rifle in a low drive from range, which caught Mosquera off guard.

Panama's frustration with the proceedings appeared to show when defender José Córdoba clattered into Santiago Arias just inside the box to gift Colombia a clear penalty in stoppage time, which substitute Miguel Borja netted with the last kick of the match.

The win extends Colombia's unbeaten run to 27 matches, with their last defeat coming in a 1-0 loss to Argentina in February 2022.

Colombia will play their semifinal match in Charlotte, North Carolina on Wednesday. Defending champions Argentina take on Canada -- the only remaining Concacaf side in the tournament -- in the other semifinal in New Jersey on Tuesday.

The match marked the end of Panama's fairytale run in the competition, which included a memorable 2-1 win over Concacaf rivals and hosts the United States.

It was their best-ever performance at the Copa América, improving on their group stage exit on their debut in 2016.

"I am very proud of my players, of what they have achieved in this Copa América," Panama coach Thomas Christiansen told reporters.

"Of course, no one likes losing and much the less 5-0, but we have to commend the players for this Copa América. It did not end as we wished, but this is also a learning experience."



Saturday, 6 July 2024

Football Highlight - COPA AMERICA 2024

 You Tube : Venezuela vs Canada

Canada claimed a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Venezuela on Friday to reach the Copa América semifinals in their debut appearance after an absorbing contest finished 1-1.

With the teams all square after five attempts each, Wilker Ángel had his spot-kick saved by Maxime Crepeau in the shootout and Ismael Kone buried the winning penalty to send Canada through.

"Emotions are running high, I'm so happy for everyone who is supporting us," Crepeau, who made two saves in the shootout, told Canadian broadcaster TSN.

"It's a lot of work and now we have the fruit of our hard work. This is amazing to be in the semifinals of Copa América. I think everybody needs to realise this country and its footballers deserve respect."

Canada will face Argentina in New Jersey on Tuesday for a chance to play in the July 14 final. The semi-final will be a rematch of the tournament's opener, in which the defending champions Argentina claimed a 2-0 win.

The North American side became the fourth Concacaf team to reach the semi-finals of Copa América, after MexicoHonduras and the United States.

Canada are the third Concacaf debutant team to advance to the Copa América semifinals.

Canada, who scored just one goal across their three group stage matches, began the match with uncharacteristic urgency and their pressure paid off in the 13th minute as Jacob Shaffelburg steered home a Jonathan David cross.

After scoring, Shaffelburg held up the jersey of teammate Tajon Buchanan, who suffered a broken leg in training this week.

Jesse Marsch's side wasted several chances to extend their lead in the first half, with Shaffelburg testing goalkeeper Rafael Romo from the edge of the area while David sent an effort wide of the post after finding himself through one-on-one.

Venezuela pressed for a goal and had more possession, but were largely limited to speculative crosses and shots from range, with all-time leading goalscorer Salomón Rondón twice drawing saves from Crepeau.

Canada's Cyle Larin fired over the bar from close range in the 52nd minute. Two minutes later, a rebound fell at the feet of Venezuela's José Martínez in the penalty area at the other end, but his effort also went high.

Venezuela finally found the equaliser in the 64th minute through Rondon, who spotted Canada's Crepeau off his line and produced an audacious lob that sailed over the scrambling goalkeeper into the empty net.

It was the former Everton and Newcastle United striker's 44th goal for Venezuela.

Canada responded well to the equaliser and substitute Liam Millar had an effort from a tight angle saved in the 67th minute before Tani Oluwaseyi sent two shots over the crossbar in the span of four minutes, but neither side was able to find the winner in regulation time.

Football Highlight - COPA AMERICA 2024

 You Tube : Argentina vs Ecuador


Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to move into the semifinals of the Copa América on Thursday after goalkeeper Emi Martinez made two saves in the shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The match went to penalties after Lisandro Martínez's opener for Argentina was canceled out by Kevin Rodríguez in stoppage time. There is no extra time in Copa América knockout games apart from the final.

In the shootout, Lionel Messi clipped the crossbar with Argentina's first effort, but Martinez saved from Ángel Mena and Alan Minda as the defending champions moved into a semifinal matchup against either Venezuela or Canada.

"In penalties, the team has blind confidence in its goalkeeper, and that is fundamental," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "Even after Leo's miss and with all that means for the team, it's very important that our goalkeeper came up clutch.

"I think it's not enjoyable when you win in this way. Of course, we are happy, but I didn't enjoy this victory."

Messi started the game despite being an injury doubt after missing their final group match against Peru because of a hamstring issue, and the Argentina captain broke the record for most minutes played in the tournament's history.

Emiliano Martínez made two key saves in the penalty shootout to send Argentina into the Copa América semifinals

"[Messi] finished [the game] well, the last time we asked him with five or six minutes left in the game he said he felt well," Scaloni said.

Argentina dominated possession early on, but it was Ecuador who created the first chance when Jeremy Sarmiento found space to shoot from a tight angle and forced Martinez into a save.

But as Argentina's fans found their voice, their team took the lead in the 35th minute when Alexis Mac Allister's headed flick-on found Martinez at the far post and the defender nodded home his first international goal.

Ecuador turned up the pressure in the second half, and it paid off at a corner on the hour mark when the cross was deflected onto Rodrigo De Paul's hand and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

Skipper Enner Valencia stepped up and sent Martinez the wrong way, but Ecuador's top scorer saw his effort come off the post before Argentina defender Cristian Romero blocked a shot from the rebound.

Martinez turned to the crowd and roared in delight with his arms raised, and the miss took the wind out of Ecuador's sails.

"He's the captain and he took the penalty because he was feeling confident enough, but he missed. That happens in football," Ecuador coach Felix Sanchez said. "In many other areas of the game, he was able to contribute.

"We really appreciate that he took the chance. It's a lottery today, it didn't go in. Maybe next time it will."

But as the game went into stoppage time Ecuador, who have never beaten Argentina at the Copa América, found the equalizer when John Yeboahwhipped in a cross and Rodriguez stayed onside to direct a header past Martinez in the 91st minute.

The Argentina goalkeeper had the last laugh, however, making two crucial saves in the shootout before Nicolás Otamendi scored the decisive kick to book a semifinal spot.


Monday, 13 May 2024

Football Highlight

 You Tube : Spurs' Champions League hopes alive as Clarets relegated from Premier League




Match report and free match highlights as Jacob Bruun Larsen scored the opener to give Burnley a lifeline; Pedro Porro's equalised with a fine solo goal soon after; Tottenham finally went ahead through Micky van de Ven; Burnley are relegated from the Premier League with a game to play 

Micky van de Ven's late goal has kept Tottenham's Champions League hopes alive, but their 2-1 win condemned Burnley to Premier League relegation. 

Both teams needed a win for their respective battles at either end of the table, and Jacob Bruun Larsen's goal (25) gave the Clarets hope of three points. 

But in an even first half, a fine solo effort from Pedro Porro (32) gave Tottenham an equaliser soon after. 

Spurs dominated the second half, but it took an 82nd-minute strike from Van de Ven to secure their victory. 

The win sees Tottenham close the gap to four points on Aston Villa, who face Liverpool on Monday Night Football. But Unai Emery's side will secure fourth spot if they win that game, meaning Spurs will miss out on Champions League football for next season. 

Burnley now know they will be playing back in the Championship next term, with the defeat seeing them relegated with a game to play. 


Football Highlight - COPA AMERICA 2024

 You Tube :  Argentina vs Colombia Defending champions  Argentina  overcame  the loss of Lionel Messi  to win a record 16th Copa América tit...