(Atlanta) When Canada is entitled to say it is disappointed to have lost against Argentina, it is because we have moved to another level.
The Reds may well have lost 2-0 in the curtain-raiser of the Copa América against the reigning champions – and the world champions at that – but they will be biting their fingers at having come so close, so often. In front of 70,564 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the vast majority from Argentina and Lionel Messi, we still have to do it.
In this sense, the 2-0 result, with two goals in the second period, is telling. The match was as close as possible in the first. The Albiceleste dominated, of course. But Canada was organized defensively, and played without complexes offensively. He offered himself some very good opportunities, both in the first and second, which a little more efficient attackers would perhaps have realized.
Argentina’s goals came from the foot of Julian Álvarez in the 48th minute, following a rebound from Alexis Mac Allister. Then from Lautaro Martinez, in the 87th, a perfect shot. On both nets, Maxime Crépeau was unable to do anything.
Because otherwise, the Quebec goalkeeper was absolutely the story of the match. Particularly on this save in front of Messi, on a breakaway, in the 66th minute. Then again in front of Messi, when there were only ten minutes left in the match. Even this American journalist, sitting next to us, said: “The guard is going crazy! (this goalie is going crazy!)”
We could only agree with him. Despite a few risky outings in the first 45 minutes, and more great saves, the few remaining doubts about his status as Canada’s starting goalkeeper were dispelled on Thursday evening.
From the start of the match, it was obvious that Canada wanted to show that it was not going to let itself be walked on. But his offensive desire was quickly supplanted by the great talent of the Argentines. We think we know these players well that we see on TV every week, but they manage to do the surprising action, the exciting play which, each time, is enhanced by the clamor of the crowd.
You had to hear the roar emanating from the stands during the counter-attack led by Ángel Di Maria in the 9th minute… then brilliantly blocked by Maxime Crépeau in the area. It repeated, like that, for the next 80 minutes.
Canada still scared the Argentines on a few occasions, notably with the benefit of some great breakthroughs down the left from Davies. In the 30th, Buchanan missed the target on the return taken into the box. In the 43rd minute, Eustáquio discovered why Emiliano Martinez is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world. It stood like a wall on a head at point blank range.
An honorable defeat, against the world champions. But a defeat nonetheless. Peru and Chile will perhaps be more takeable. Maybe.
More details will follow.
