It was another 2-1 scoreline in Group D. This time, it was at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara.
It was one of the most anticipated matchup in the tournament, a repeat of the 2015 Copa America final. Chile and Argentina meet again.This time, no one had a home advantage.
It was the defending champions versus the best team in the world at the moment.
A Messi-less Argentina defeated Chile 2-1 .Argentina got their revenge on Chile after failing to win 2015 Copa America final.
Chile started the match with their strongest side, while a star-studded team like Argentina was able to keep the like of Messi and Aguero on the bench.
High pressure attacking football was how both teams started the match. On paper, this is the most difficult opposition both teams are to face in Group D. This match was seen as a decider in the final layout of the group. As entertaining as the first half was, no goals were provided. The teams were getting use to each other.
After a scoreless first half, the second half blessed us with 3 goals
Di Maria opened the scoring in the 51st minute after Chile lost possession of the ball in the midfield while going in on an attack. A quick counter from Argentina turned to a goal when Di Maria placed the through pass from Ever Banega at near post to beat Claudio Bravo.
Eight minutes late, Di Maria returned the favor by assisting Ever Banega for the winning goal. A quick break and a deflected shot went into the same corner as the first goal. Argentina was 2-0 up with 20 minutes left to go. And with the options on the bench, the game could get worse for Chile.
Jose Fuenzalida scored a consolation goal scored in the 93rd minute, but it was too late for a comeback, and it didn’t have a feel of a comeback as Argentina’s second half performance proved how sharp in attack the team can be.
Argentina has gotten off to an amazing start to their Copa America Centenario. Chile is seen by most as their fiercest competition in Group D. And with this win, it looks like a clearer path to the top of the table.
The next set of matches in Group D will be a meeting of the ‘match 1’ losers and a meeting of ‘match 1’ winners. The two teams in need of points take on each other, as Chile takes on Bolivia in their next match.
Argentina meets Panama. Both teams will be looking for the win that should ensure advancement into the quarterfinal.
| Group D | |||||||
| Team | Played | Win | Loss | Draw | GF | GA | Points |
| Argentina | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Panama | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Chile | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Bolivia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
