Argentina, the reigning Copa America and World Cup champions, were not in good form and Canada’s goalkeeper, Maxime Crepeau, was strong. Albiceleste They began their title defense with a 2-0 win Thursday in Atlanta.
[ MORE: Copa America 2024 schedule and squads ]
Jesse Marsch’s Canada fought hard and had several clear-cut chances to score, but Alphonso Davies couldn’t find the net and Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez got the goals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Lionel Messi failed to convert two breakaways but provided the assist for Alvarez’s opener and then sent super-sub Martinez into the penalty area to give Argentina two second-half goals.
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Neither team scored a goal in the first half, with just seven shots on goal, but Argentina made twice as many successful passes as Canada in the first half.
The second half wasn’t much better for Marsch’s team, with Argentina converting an astonishing seven big chances. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez only needed two saves on the night.
Marsh will lead Canada, but Argentina is too talented.
Canada should not be underestimated, despite being short-staffed or under-represented in several key positions, including at centre-back. Jesse Marsch’s team showed the same fighting spirit it was known for under current Toronto FC manager John Herdman. And how would the game have gone if Davis had been able to convert one of at least two golden chances he had at Bayern Munich’s backline?
But Argentina played too easy on this occasion, perhaps underestimating the Canucks, which affected their sharpness in and around the penalty area. Oh, and there was some luck, too: Messi circled around Crepeau but his chipped shot hit the head of prone Canadian defender Derek Cornelius (Malmö).
Crepeau also answered many questions in place of Canadian legend Milan Borjan and played a key role in keeping the scoreline down. The captain, wearing the number 18 shirt, was exceptional, making six saves.
Argentina 2-0 Canadian player ratings (source:)
What’s next?
Canada will face Peru at 6pm ET on Tuesday at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, while Argentina will play for Chile in CONMEBOL in New Jersey.
How to watch Argentina vs Canada match, streaming links, start time
kick off: Thursday (June 20) at 8pm ET
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
How to watch American TV: FS1, Fox Sports
Lautaro Martinez’s goal, Messi’s assist (VIDEO) — Argentina 2-0 Canada
Messi’s touch on this pass was godlike and Martinez’s finish was almost as good.
Lionel Messi falls after reckless tackle late in game
Canadian midfielder Moise Bonvito’s reckless tackle on Lionel Messi has left Atlanta extremely unsettled.
Bonvito won the ball first, but the sole of his boot dug into Messi’s ankle before his lunge turned into a scissor tackle.
Messi finally got up and carried on playing.
Julian Alvarez goal (Video)—Argentina 1-0 Canada (49th minute)
It’s that guy again, the one who helps develop Manchester City’s stars (through Liverpool’s).
Lionel Messi’s entry pass gives the ball away, and Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau has to get it before Alexis Mac Allister.
Neither team could control the ball, Mac Allister smashing it into the keeper before Julian Alvarez smashed the rest of the way into the goal.
Argentina team news and highlights
Messi doesn’t need to be a star player to get out of this group, but he will enjoy his first game of the tournament against a Canada team that is still learning to understand Marcio’s system. Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul are expected to form an outstanding midfield and control the game.
Canadian Team News and Highlights
Canada will be counting on Davis and David to charge forward but will be without longtime star goaltender Milan Borjan, and it’s unclear who will fill in between Maxime Crepeau, Dane St. Clair and Tom McGill. St. Clair started against the Netherlands and made six saves, while Crepeau kept the score at 0-0 with four saves against France.
Argentina vs Canada predictions
Marsch will have a few tricks up his sleeve to take on Argentina, but the difference in quality between the two teams is huge. Argentina 3-1 Canada.
