Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals of Copa America 2024 after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chile in the second match of Group A. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s realistic personnel substitutions were important.

Argentina won a hard-fought match against Chile to advance to the Copa America 2024 quarterfinals. (Photo: Getty.)

The match, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, was a significant step forward for the Argentine team in its bid to defend its title.

Argentina entered the game after defeating Canada 2-0, but Chile could only manage a goalless draw against Peru. 

Coach Scaloni made some major alterations to the starting lineup from the previous encounter, namely the substitution of Nicolas Gonzalez for Di Maria. Argentina used a 4-4-2 formation, with Messi and Alvarez spearheading the assault.

Chile, on the other hand, opted for a defensive counter-attacking strategy in a 4-2-3-1 configuration, relying on striker Vargas and creative midfielder Alexis Sanchez. 

Although Argentina dominated the ball and generated numerous threatening opportunities in the first half, Chile’s sturdy defence effectively thwarted their efforts. 

Messi almost scored in the 36th minute with a shot that hit the post, and two minutes later, Molina’s pass nearly placed Chilean midfielder Pulgar in his own net.

Argentina continued to struggle to find a way into Chile’s goal, despite Nicolas Gonzalez hitting the crossbar in the 61st minute.

Coach Scaloni made a tactical change in the 73rd minute, replacing Nicolas Gonzalez and Alvarez with Di Maria and Lautaro Martínez.

 

This alteration marked the match’s turning point. Lautaro Martínez scored Argentina’s first goal in the 88th minute, capitalising on a confused scenario in front of the Chilean goal following Messi’s corner kick.

In extra time, Lautaro Martínez had an excellent chance after Di Maria’s assist, but failed to beat goalkeeper Bravo.

Argentina eventually prevailed 1-0, officially advancing to the quarterfinals before facing Peru in the final on June 30.

On the Chilean side, with only 1 point after 2 matches, coach Ricardo Gareca and his team must beat Canada in the final group stage match on June 30 to continue their hope of advancing.

This victory not only affirms coach Scaloni’s ability to adjust tactics but also shows Argentina’s perseverance and bravery in the journey to conquer Copa America 2024.