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Tag: Copa America

  • Copa America: Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez leads scorer’s chart with four goals

    Copa America: Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez leads scorer’s chart with four goals

    Ahead of the Copa America semifinals fixtures on Wednesday and Thursday, below are currently the highest goal scorers in the competition.

    The Copa America has reached the semi-final stage with four countries Canada, Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia remaining in the tournament.

    Lionel Messi-led  Argentina will slug it out with Canada in the last-four, while Uruguay will tackle Colombia in an all South America affair.

    Recall that Argentina defeated Canada in its first game of the tournament by 2-0, but but teams will meet again for a place in the final.

    However, Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez, still remains the top scorer in the competition with four goals.

    The Inter Milan striker is ahead of Venezuela’s Salomon Rondon, who has three goals to his name.

    Copa America 2024 top scorers ahead of semi-final fixtures:

    Four goals – Lautaro Martinez

    Three goals – Salomon Rondon

    Two goals – Araujo, Balogun, Bello, Jose Fajardo, Cordoba, Vinicius, Darwin Nunez and Daniel Munoz.

  • Copa America: Favourite Brazil crash out after losing to Uruguay 4-2 on Penalties

    Copa America: Favourite Brazil crash out after losing to Uruguay 4-2 on Penalties

    Uruguay on early Sunday morning grabbed semi-final ticket at the expense of Brazil after a thrilling penalty shoot out at the Allegiant Stadium in the United states.

    Both teams finished goalless after 90 minutes of fascinating football.

    Both teams appeared cagey  all through 90 minutes of the encounter.

    Barcelona teammates turned opponents Ronald Araujo and Raphinha got in each other’s faces after the defender bundled over 17-year-old Endrick, who started in place of the suspended Vinicius Junior.

    The teenager missed a chance to open the scoring before Darwin Nunez fell short at the other end. But there were more fouls than true chances in the first half.

    However, the  Liverpool star was unable to make a difference as his shot were kept away by Allison.

    The second half became more thrilling with more chances created on both ends.

    Long-range strikes from Fede Valverde kept Alisson on his toes, but he couldn’t find the net.

    Uruguay’s situation then worsened with 15 minutes to go. Nahitan Nández made a dangerous challenge on Rodrygo and collided studs up on the Brazilian’s ankle. After being shown yellow, VAR deemed it deserved a red card.

    Even with the advantage Brazil couldn’t capitalize and missed two of their penalties as Uruguay moved on. They will now face Colombia in the semi-finals.

  • COPA America: Despite Messi’s penalty miss, Argentina defeat Ecuador to qualify for semi -final

    COPA America: Despite Messi’s penalty miss, Argentina defeat Ecuador to qualify for semi -final

    Argentina captain Lionel Messi missed the first kick of a penalty shootout as they defeated Ecuador in the 2024 Copa America quarter-final on Thursday night. The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.

    Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring for Argentina in the first half, but Kevin Rodriguez equalized for Ecuador in stoppage time.

    Messi’s failed panenka attempt hit the bar, and he was consoled by Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez, marking a shocking start to the shootout.

    However, Emi Martinez saved Messi’s blushes by making two crucial saves, leading to a 4-2 victory and securing Argentina’s place in the semi-finals.

    They will face the winner between Venezuela and Canada on Tuesday evening.

  • Copa America: Six teams grab quarter-final tickets

    Copa America: Six teams grab quarter-final tickets

    Six teams have made it through to the quarter-final stage of the ongoing 2024 Copa America holding in the United States of America.

    The hosts, United States  has been eliminated from the competition, following their 1-0 loss to Uruguay on Monday night.

    The defeat, combined with Panama’s 3-1 win over Bolivia, left the Americans in third place in the group.

    Uruguay advanced as Group C winners, and Panama progressed into the quarter-finals as the second qualifier out of the group.

    Argentina will play Ecuador next, while Venezuela take on Canada.

    Panama are waiting to know the winners of Group D, while Uruguay will face the runners-up of Group D.

  • Copa America: Vinicius Jr criticizes tournament organizers

    Copa America: Vinicius Jr criticizes tournament organizers

    Following Brazil’s 4-1 victory against Paraguay at the ongoing Copa America 2024, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. expressed his frustration with the tournament’s organizers.

    After a goalless draw with Costa Rica in their opening match, the Selecao secured their first win of the tournament, with Vinicius Jr. scoring twice.

     

    Despite the victory, Vinicius Jr. criticized the tournament conditions and officiating.

    According to Telegraph Online, he remarked,

    “The Copa America is always difficult because of the pitches, the referees – who always go against us – and the way CONMEBOL treats people. It’s always difficult but we have to stay strong. We can only speak by winning. When we talk, CONMEBOL says we talk too much.”

  • Copa America: Martinez scores as Argentina pip Chile 1-0, progress to quarter-final

    Copa America: Martinez scores as Argentina pip Chile 1-0, progress to quarter-final

    Argentina on Tuesday zoomed into the quarter-final of the ongoing Copa America,  after pipping Chile  1-0 at the Mercedez Stadium in Atlanta.

    Lautaro Martínez scored from a rebound in the 88th minute to secure all three points and quarter-final ticket.

    Lionel Messi’s corner kick led to a shot blocked by goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, before Martínez pounced to score his second goal of the tournament.

    Argentina are now top of Group A with six points, followed by Canada with three and Chile and Peru with one each.

    The Albiceleste will finish the group stage against Peru at Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, while Canada meets Chile in Orlando, Florida.

  • Copa America: Alvarez, Martinez score as Argentina defeat Canada 2-0 in group A opener

    Copa America: Alvarez, Martinez score as Argentina defeat Canada 2-0 in group A opener

    The Copa América 2024 kicked off on Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States of America.

    captain Lionel Messi led defending champions, Argentina  took down Canada, 2-0 early Thursday morning to kick start the tournament.

    Julián Álvarez had Maxime Crépeau beat but couldn’t get enough off of the ball on his strike. Argentina and Canada go into the half scoreless.

    However, Julián Álvarez gave Argentina a 1-0 lead just three minutes into the second half of the encounter.

    Messi found Lautaro Martínez who beautifully knocked the ball into the back of the net to give Argentina its second goal of the night and all three points.

  • Copa America: Brazilian winger, Raphinha fires back at Ronaldinho

    Copa America: Brazilian winger, Raphinha fires back at Ronaldinho

    Brazilian winger, Raphael Dias Belloli, poplarly known as Raphinha,  has fired back at Ronaldinho for his statement concerning the country’s national team ahead  of the forthcoming COPA America.

    Recall that Ronaldinho, a Brazil football legend, had vowed he will not watch his country at the 2024 Copa America owing to the fact that the Samba boys do not play their hearts out anymore.

    In a lengthy Instagram post, the former Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder described the current squad as one of the “worst teams”.

    However, reacting to the development, Raphinha said he was surprised with Ronaldinho’s statement.

    The Barcelona star said as quoted by Fabrizio Romano: “Ronaldinho’s statement? I don’t know if that was an adv or not but… a few days ago, I’m told he asked Vini Jr for tickets to come see our games (laughs).

    “In any case, I was surprised and I don’t agree with his statement.”

  • Copa America: Ronaldinho vexed by Brazil’s performance

    Copa America: Ronaldinho vexed by Brazil’s performance

    Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, popularly known as Ronaldinho Gaucho or simply Ronaldinho, has said he will not watch the Brazilian national football team in the Copa America.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ronaldinho to have described the current Brazilian national football team as “one of the worst teams in recent years”.

    The 44-year-old Brazilian former professional footballer was reacting, after Brazil drew 1-1 with the U.S. men’s national team.

    “That’s it, I will not watch any Brazil game at the Copa América and not celebrate any victory — it’s a shame, I’m done!

    “I’ve had enough. It’s a sad moment for those who love Brazilian football… and it’s hard now to find the spirit to watch the games when you see this team now.

    “It’s one of the worst teams in recent years, also no respectable leaders and only average players for the majority, it’s something unacceptable for all of us.

    “I’ve never seen a situation as bad as this. Lack of love for Brazil shirt, lack of quality… and lack of football.

    “Our performance has been one of the worst things I have ever seen, it’s such a shame. I’m leaving this,” Ronaldinho.

    TNG reports Brazil have not won a major trophy since winning the Copa America in 2019.

    Meanwhile, Ronaldinho won the World Cup, Copa America and Confederations Cup with Brazil in his playing days.

    Dorival Junior’s side begin their Copa America tournament against Costa Rica in Los Angeles on June 25.

    Following Costa Rica, Brazil face Paraguay on June 28 before closing out Group D against Colombia on July 2.

  • Copa America: Neymar excluded as Brazil unveils 23-man list for competition

    Copa America: Neymar excluded as Brazil unveils 23-man list for competition

     

    Dorival Junior, the head coach of Brazil national team on Friday unveiled a 23-man squad for this year’s Copa America.

    Youth sensation and Madrid bound makes the cut, while Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, Tottenham’s Richarlison and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro are excluded.

    However, the Samba boys will not be having the services of showboaing Neymar Juniior after he was ruled out because of injuries.

    Real Madrid duo of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are expected to lead the attack.

    Full Brazil squad:

    Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Éderson (Manchester City), Bento (Athletico-PR)

    Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Yan Couto (Girona), Guilherme Arana (Atlético-MG), Wendell (FC Porto), Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Militão (Real Madrid)

    Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), João Gomes (Wolverhampton), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham)

    Forwards: Endrick (Palmeiras), Martinelli (Arsenal), Evanilson (Porto), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Girona), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)