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Alex Kirkland, ESPN FC
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Substitute Lautaro Martinez scored a late goal as Argentina beat Chile 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in Group A of the Copa America on Tuesday night to easily qualify for the quarterfinals.
Argentina dominated most of the game but were unable to translate that dominance into goals. Julián Álvarez was denied an early chance when his soft shot was saved by Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. Lionel Messi survived an early injury after going close twice, including hitting the post. Because the reigning champions ascended at halftime, but it didn’t show up on the scoreboard.
After the break, Argentina had more chances. Nahuel Molina was denied by Bravo, Alexis Mac Allister failed to reach Messi’s free-kick and Bravo put Nico Gonzalez’s shot on the bar.
At the other end, Albiceleste Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was finally called into action and made two saves from Rodrigo Echeverria before Martinez broke the deadlock in the 88th minute to give Argentina two wins from two in the tournament.
Manager Evaluation (1-10 points)
Lionel Scaloni (8 years old) The team that beat Canada had three changes, with Nicolás Tagliafico, Enzo Fernández and Nicolas Gonzalez joining. Gonzalez in particular proved to be the right choice. Scaloni was active, making five substitutions as Argentina chased a goal, and Martinez got the job done.
Player Rating (1-10, 10 = highest, players introduced after 70 minutes will not receive a rating)
GK Emiliano Martinez, 7 — He had a very quiet first half without attempting a single shot, but made two important stops on Echeverria in the second half.
Defender Nahuel Molina, 7 — A dangerous cross from the right could have resulted in a goal after half-time.
Defender Christian Romero, 7 — They were fortunate not to have an early penalty disallowed due to a challenge on Víctor Dávila, but other than that they performed well and were involved in the goal.
Defender Lisandro Martinez, 6 — Chile had a quiet evening, offering almost nothing in attack.
Defender Nicolas Tagliafico, 6 — Although he performed well on the wing, he didn’t do much in defense.
Midfielder Enzo Fernández, 6 — He replaced Leandro Paredes in the team, but was the first player to be substituted as Argentina pressed for a goal.
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, 7 — In the second half, they could have scored easily, but Messi’s ball into the penalty box was out of reach.
Midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, 6 — He provides energy to the midfield, even if his end result is often frustrating. He may have been punished for his challenge on Gabriel Suazo.
Midfielder Nicolas Gonzalez, 7 — He looked lively and showed promise of securing his place in the starting XI. In the second half, he shook the woodwork with his fierce shooting.
FW Lionel Messi (8 years old) He needed long-term treatment after being hit in the thigh by Suazo in the first half. He came close to goal three times, including hitting the post.
FW Julian Alvarez, 6 — We had two great first half chances. Notably, his first opportunity came when he fired a shot at Bravo when left in space in the box.
replacement
Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, 6 — Scaloni’s first changes did not go unnoticed.
Midfielder Angel Di Maria, NR — He was brought down once as he advanced into the penalty area and came too close to setting up the second goal.
FW Lautaro Martinez, NR — We scored the most important goal and could have scored again in extra time.
Defender Marcos Acuña, NR — It was brought in to expand the breadth of the team.
Defender Gonzalo Montiel (NR) — There wasn’t time to do much.
