Copa America 2024: Argentina Dominate Canada to Begin Copa América Title Defence

Argentina kicked off their Copa America 2024 title defense with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over debutants Canada on Thursday. While the scoreline in the Argentina vs Canada match suggests a comfortable win, the World Cup champions had to dig deep to overcome a determined Canadian side.

Canada’s Resilience Against World Champions

Canada demonstrated they could compete against top-tier teams, giving Argentina a tough contest throughout the 90 minutes. Despite being newcomers to the tournament, Canada’s performance showed they belonged on this stage.

Argentina’s Dominance in the First Half

Argentina dominated the first half, creating several chances to take the lead but struggled to convert. Angel Di Maria had an early opportunity on a breakaway within seven minutes but was thwarted by a rushing Maxime Crepeau. Alexis Mac Allister’s header was also saved, keeping the score level.

Canada nearly snatched a surprising lead before halftime when Stephen Eustaquio’s point-blank header was brilliantly saved by Emi Martinez. The pressure on Argentina was palpable, as the reigning champions found themselves in a tighter contest than anticipated.

Breakthrough and Determination

Despite their global standing, Argentina had to work tirelessly to break down a resilient Canadian defense. It took until the 50th minute for Lionel Messi and his team to finally break through. Julian Alvarez seized an opportunity from a tight angle, scoring his first Copa América goal and giving Argentina the lead they had been striving for.

The goal was a relief for Argentina, who had squandered several chances in the first half and were beginning to feel the pressure of defending their title.

Second Half Struggles and Sealing the Win

As the second half unfolded, Argentina continued to press. Mac Allister, making a daring run into the box, was brought down by Crepeau, but the loose ball fell to Alvarez. The Manchester City forward made no mistake, slotting the ball home from a tight angle to finally put Argentina ahead.

Canada, however, did not back down. They regrouped and pushed forward, with substitute Jacob Shaffelburg nearly combining effectively with Cyle Larin, Liam Millar, and Jonathan David. Despite their best efforts, the Canadian side couldn’t find the back of the net.

Messi’s Quiet Game and Late Contribution

Lionel Messi, who had been relatively quiet up until the hour mark, sought to add a second goal but struggled to find his usual flair. Nevertheless, the Argentine captain made a crucial contribution in the dying moments of the game. Messi assisted substitute Lautaro Martinez, who calmly finished to secure the 2-0 victory and all three points for Argentina.

A Hard-Fought Victory in Copa America 2024 Opener

While the score might suggest a straightforward win, Argentina’s triumph over Canada was anything but easy. The defending champions were tested by a spirited and organized Canadian team, making their victory a testament to their determination and quality.

Looking Ahead

This victory sets a positive tone for Argentina’s campaign, but it also highlights the competitive nature of the tournament. Canada’s impressive performance in their Copa América debut shows that they are a team to watch, capable of challenging even the best in the world.

Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada marked a challenging yet successful start to their title defense. The game underscored the resilience and determination of both teams, with Argentina ultimately showcasing their class and experience to secure the victory. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on this match, with Argentina aiming to retain their crown and Canada hoping to continue their impressive run.