In the match against Peru in the final match of Group A of Copa America 2024, striker Lautaro Martinez continued to shine with a double to help Argentina win 2-0.
Martinez scored twice, Argentina won all 3 matches in the group stage of Copa America 2024
Starting lineup:
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Montiel, Otamendi, Pezzella, Tagliafico, Palacios, Paredes, Lo Celso, Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Garnacho.
Peru: Gallese, Corzo, Zambrano, Callens, Polo, Pena, Cartagena, Reyna, Lopez, Flores, Guerrero.
Goal scorer: Lautaro Martinez (47′, 86′).
Since Argentina had already secured a ticket to the quarter-finals of the Copa America 2024, coach Lionel Scaloni decided to field a squad consisting of many reserve players. However, the “Albiceleste” still easily created an overwhelming game. In the 7th minute, Angel Di Maria took a difficult free kick from a distance of more than 30m on the right wing, forcing goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to push the ball out of bounds.
After that, Argentina continued to press the field but were stuck in front of Peru’s large and tight defense. In the 26th minute, “Albiceleste” was awarded a direct free kick from about 25 meters away. Unfortunately, Leandro Paredes’ kick could not overcome the excellent performance of goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
In the second half of the first half, Argentina continued to control the game and created many dangerous situations towards Peru’s goal. However, Nicolas Otamendi, Di Maria, Giovani Lo Celso, and Alejandro Garnacho were unable to convert their chances into goals.
In the second half, Argentina continued to pressure Peru. In the 47th minute, Di Maria passed the ball to Lautaro Martinez, who entered the penalty area and skillfully finished past goalkeeper Pedro Gallese in a one-on-one position, opening the score for “Albiceleste”.
This goal helped Argentina play with a more relaxed mentality. In the 55th minute, Di Maria passed from a corner kick on the right wing into the penalty area for Nicolas Tagliafico to finish into the Peruvian net. However, referee Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos did not recognize it because he thought Giovani Lo Celso was offside when participating in this situation.
Peru continued to play poorly in the following period. In the 69th minute, Gonzalo Montiel crossed the penalty area and the ball hit Jesus Castillo’s hand. Referee Palazuelos immediately awarded Argentina a penalty. Unfortunately, Paredes’ shot hit the post.
As the match entered the 86th minute, Lautaro Martinez continued to shine with the goal that sealed a 2-0 victory for Argentina.
