Despite Lionel Messi’s absence due to a sore right hamstring, Argentina continued their flawless run in the Copa America with a 2-0 win over Peru in Miami on Saturday.
Lautaro Martinez scored twice at the Hard Rock Stadium, securing Argentina’s place in the quarter-finals as the winners of Group A.
Coach Lionel Scaloni, also absent due to a one-game suspension, saw his team make nine changes to their starting lineup. Nonetheless, Argentina controlled the game against a lackluster Peru, who managed only one shot on goal in a one-sided match.
Martinez broke the deadlock just after halftime with a goal set up by Angel Di Maria’s perfect through ball, which he expertly chipped over Peru’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Argentina had a chance to extend their lead in the 72nd minute when Jesus Castillo’s handball conceded a penalty. However, Leandro Paredes’ spot-kick struck the post, keeping the score at 1-0.
Martinez added a second goal in the 86th minute, capitalizing on a long pass and finishing past Gallese, despite protests from Peru regarding a possible shove on defender Aldo Corzo. Referee Cesar Ramos allowed the goal to stand.
“It was tough in the first half because they were defending deep, but the first goal opened up the game,” Martinez said afterwards. “There’s a lot more to come from us.”
Martinez, now on a scoring streak with goals in four consecutive games for Argentina, expressed his joy: “Every time I put on this shirt, every training session, every meal, every team talk, I enjoy it.”
Argentina will face the runner-up from Group B, likely either Ecuador or Mexico, in the quarter-finals in Houston next Thursday.
In another Group A match on Saturday, Canada secured a 0-0 draw against 2015 and 2016 Copa America champions Chile in Orlando, enough to advance to the last eight. Chile, needing a win to progress, faced a setback when Gabriel Suazo received a second yellow card and was sent off after just 27 minutes.
“It took a lot of hard work — it’s our first time in this competition and it’s not easy,” Canada captain Alphonso Davies said. “There are a lot of good teams and players here. But we stuck to our plan, played well, showed a lot of fight, and overall, we did well.”
Canada will play the winners of Group B in the quarter-finals.
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