July 9th is an important national holiday in Argentina, the equivalent to our July 4th, as it is also their Independence Day. The biggest avenue in Argentina is also called ‘Avenida 9 de Julio’ commemorating the day year-round for the millions who traverse it.
- READ MORE: Argentina 2-0 Canada: Highlights, stats and result
- READ MORE: Copa America: MLS, fueling Canada’s success and growth
- READ MORE: Copa America Stats
With seven lanes going in each direction, it is also the widest avenue in the world. While not as grand, yesterday’s Argentine victory on that same date over Canada that leads them once again to the Copa America finals, was more cause for celebration on an already festive day.
The Argentinian National team delivered a repeat performance besting Canada by the same score as they did in the opening tournament match 2-0, while Julian Alvarez did a repeat by scoring goals in both games.
While the defending champions celebrated in style in Miami, the current home of Lionel Messi, Canada still looks to compete for third place on Saturday against whichever team comes up short tonight between Colombia and Uruguay. A chance for third place and coming in at least at number 4, is not too bad for a Canadian team finishing their first participation in Copa America and going further than its 5 fellow Concacaf national teams including the United States and Mexico.
Copa America: Argentina 2-0 Canada
- Messi finally scores at Copa America 2024
Messi finally celebrated a goal in this Copa America after four matches when he scored at MetLife Stadium in the 51st minute.
The Argentine captain, who already has 14 goals including those in previous editions of the tournament, became the second player to score in six different Copa Americas, tying the record of Brazilian Zizinho, who did so between 1942 and 1957.
- Julian Alvarez applies the same dose
Julian Alvarez’s goal off a pass from Rodrigo de Paul gave Argentina the lead against Canada in the 23rd minute for his second Copa America goal.
Both of Alvarez’s goals have come against the ‘Maple Leafs’, the one before was the first goal of the entire tournament during the 2-0 win in the opening match.
- Alphonso Davies worries Canada
Alphonso Davies, captain and star of the Canadian national team, hurt his right ankle after a hard collision with Gonzalo Montiel and was replaced in minute 71, by Jonathan Osorio.
The left-back tried to return to the field after being treated by Canada’s medical services; however, he was unable to do so and came off as a substitute.
- Canada for third place
Canada tried to beat Argentina, in its first participation in a Copa América in which it ended up being the best CONCACAF national team during this tournament.
The team led by Jesse Marsch wants to culminate its historic performance by taking third place in Copa America next Saturday when they will face the loser of Colombia vs Uruguay.