In a thrilling Copa America 2024 semifinal, Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Canada, advancing to the final. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, saw Julian Alvarez open the scoring in the 22nd minute with a well-placed shot through the legs of Canadian goalkeeper Max Crepeau. Lionel Messi, the Argentine captain, sealed the win with his 109th international goal, showcasing his enduring brilliance. Despite a spirited performance, Canada couldn’t break through Argentina’s solid defense, ending their historic run in the tournament. Argentina will now face Colombia in the final.

Canada’s Strategy & Passing

Canada’s strategy against Argentina in the Copa America 2024 semifinal focused on a balanced approach, combining solid defense with quick counter-attacks. They aimed to disrupt Argentina’s rhythm by pressing high and trying to control the midfield. Coach Jesse Marsch emphasized the importance of staying compact and organized, especially against Argentina’s potent attack led by Lionel Messi. Despite their efforts, Canada struggled to convert their chances and ultimately couldn’t break through Argentina’s defense. Their strategy showed promise but fell short against the experienced and skillful Argentine side.

Canada’s pass network in the Copa America 2024 semifinal against Argentina was characterized by a focus on maintaining possession and building attacks from the back. They aimed to utilize the speed and creativity of players like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. Key passes often came from midfielders Stephen Eustáquio and Ismaël Koné, who tried to break through Argentina’s defensive lines with incisive passes. Despite their efforts, Argentina’s defense remained resolute, limiting Canada’s effectiveness in the final third. The team’s strategy involved quick transitions and exploiting spaces on the flanks, but they struggled to convert these opportunities into goals.

Argentina’s Strategy & Passing

Argentina’s strategy in the Copa America 2024 semifinal against Canada was centered on maintaining possession, high pressing, and quick transitions. They aimed to control the midfield with players like Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández, who were pivotal in breaking up Canada’s play and distributing the ball effectively.

The passing network was highly organized, with Lionel Messi often dropping deep to link up play and create opportunities. Key passes frequently came from Messi and Fernández, who provided the assist for Messi’s goal. Argentina’s defenders, including Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi, also contributed by initiating attacks from the back, ensuring a fluid and dynamic movement throughout the match.

Goalkeepers’ Performance

In the Copa America 2024 semifinal, both goalkeepers had notable performances.

Emiliano Martínez of Argentina was instrumental in maintaining a clean sheet. He made several crucial saves, including a key stop in the 88th minute to deny Canada a late goal. His commanding presence and quick reflexes were vital in keeping Argentina’s defense organized and resilient throughout the match.

On the other hand, Maxime Crépeau of Canada faced a challenging game against Argentina’s potent attack. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t maintain a clean sheet. However, the two goals conceded were not entirely his fault, as they resulted more from defensive lapses rather than goalkeeping errors.

Argentina’s Clinical Finishing Seals Victory Over Canada

In the Copa América semifinal between Argentina and Canada, Argentina had a total of 9 shots, generating 1.49 expected goals (xG). They managed to convert two of these shots into goals, with Julián Álvarez and Lionel Messi finding the net. Canada, on the other hand, had 10 shots with an xG of 1.09 but couldn’t score any goals. Both teams had big chances, but Argentina was more clinical in their finishing.

Key players: Honorable Mentions

Julián Álvarez: He opened the score and consistently put pressure on the Canadian defense.

Rodrigo De Paul: His tireless work in midfield helped Argentina control the game and transition smoothly from defense to attack.

Enzo Fernández: Provided the assist for Messi’s goal and was instrumental in breaking up Canada’s play and distributing the ball effectively.

Alphonso Davies: Despite being subbed off due to injury, Davies was a constant threat on the left flank, using his speed and skill to challenge Argentina’s defense.

Jonathan David: Although he received a yellow card, David’s efforts in pressing and creating opportunities were notable for Canada.

Performance Metrics: Canada vs. Argentina

This radar plot compares the performance of Canada and Argentina across five key metrics. Canada excels in Accurate Passes percentage and Duels Won on Foul percentage, while Argentina outperforms in Dribbling Positive percentage and Shots on Target percentage. Both teams have similar values for Key Passes. Overall, the two teams seem to be very close, therefore, the match was ultimately decided by Argentina’s effectiveness in offensive play and Canada’s defensive inertia, highlighting the quality difference.

Conclusion

Argentina’s solid performance, marked by effective teamwork and strategic play, highlighted their dominance and readiness to defend their title. Canada’s journey to the semifinals was commendable, but they couldn’t overcome Argentina’s experience and skill.