Copa America 2021: Emi Martinez takes Argentina into the final with three saves in tie-breaker against Columbia
Xtra Time Web Desk: Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez turned out to be the hero as he saved three shots in the tie-breaker to take his side to the final of the Copa America 2021 at the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha in Brasilia on Tuesday night. Lionel Messi led Argentina defeated Colombia 3-2 on penalties to set up a title clash with arch rivals Brazil at the Maracana stadium on Sunday. The regulation time ended 1-1 with Lautaro Martinez giving the lead for Albiceleste while Luis Diaz scoring the equalizer with an unbelievable goal from an acute angle.
Argentina was on the offensive from the start with Messi creating a chance for Lautaro in the 4th minute of the match. The Argentine captain with a sudden burst of pace got away from a couple of Colombian defenders to essay a cross to Lautaro, who headed wide. Two minutes later it was again the same combination that gave the lead to Argentina. Messi played a nice ball to Lo Celso who shielded the ball and passed it to Lautaro, who blasted it past Ospina at the far post.
Colombia kept the pressure and was finally rewarded with the equalizer through Luis Diaz in the 61st minute of the match. He showed extremely cool head to lob the ball past Martinez from an acute angle in the left.
Argentina coach Scaloni brought in experienced Angel Di Maria minutes after conceding the goal. The Paris Saint Germain midfielder created the best chance for Argentina in the 72nd minute to take the lead. A mistake from Munoz saw Di Maria going around Ospina, who was off his line. He passed it on to Lautaro in the open space but his shot was cleared off the line by a Colombian defender.
Lionel Messi almost scored in the 80th minute as his shot hit the post. Di Maria sent a wonderful pass to Messi after wriggling away from a couple of Colombia defenders. Messi's left-footed effort hits the post.
In the tie-breaker Emi Martinez was the standout performer as he saved the shots from Sanchez, Mina and Cardona while Messi, Paredes and Lautaro were on target to see Argentina win 3-2. The win will see a mouth watering clash in the final between the two power houses of Latin American football at the Maracana Stadium.
