People don’t tend to put much stock into the third-place play-off games at major international tournaments, because unless you’re at the Olympic Games, there isn’t really all too much to play for. Alas, even with that being the case, Argentina and Chile still put on one hell of a show in a dramatic & high-intensity encounter.
Both nations had reason to be disappointed heading into the game, with Argentina having lost to bitter rivals Brazil whereas Chile were outclassed by Peru in what was considered, by many, to be a pretty big upset. They both had a chip on their shoulder, and that was painfully evident once things had gotten underway.
Too much to handle
It was a fast-paced start to proceedings as Lionel Messi, Argentina’s star man, set up Sergio Aguero for the opening goal of the game. Paulo Dybala soon made it 2-0, with the men in blue and white making it clear that their eyes are already turning towards next year’s Copa America tournament in which they’ll be co-hosts.
Then, though, came a clash with Messi and Gary Medel, which led to both men receiving straight cards – which was just the second red card of Lionel’s career following one on his international debut well over a decade ago. Messi seemingly nudged Medel off of the ball, with Medel reacting by shoving Messi and pushing his face into him. It seemed odd in the eyes of many that Lionel was given the red card, given that he didn’t really react to the situation whatsoever.
An odd affair
Chile had Alexis Sanchez go down with an injury which certainly didn’t help matters, and despite Vidal’s second half penalty, they just weren’t able to quite get the job done. The attention will now turn towards the domestic seasons getting back underway, with the majority of these players spending their week to week playing days over in Europe.
In terms of Copa America itself, fans will be hoping for less handbags later on tonight when Brazil go head to head with Peru in what many consider to be the ultimate David vs Goliath final between the hosts and the underdogs.
Match Report
Argentina: Armani (6.5), Tagliafico (6.5), Otamendi (7), Pezzella (6), Foyth (7.5), Celso (7), Paredes (7.5), Paul (6.5), Aguero (7.5), Dybala (7.5), Messi (7), Mori (6), Suarez (6), Di Maria (6.5)
Chile: Arias (7), Medel (5), Jara (6), Diaz (6.5), Pulgar (6), Isla (6.5), Aranguiz (7), Vidal (7), Beausejour (6), Vargas (6), Sanchez (6), Fernandes (6.5), Maripan (6.5), Castillo (6)
Referee: Mario Diaz de Vivar
Yellow Cards: Foyth, Pezzella, Tagliafico, Paredes, Pulgar, Vidal, Beausejour
Red Cards: Messi, Medel
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