Rio De Janiero: Argentina brings down Brazil in historic Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro in Saturday's Copa America final. Di Maria scored the historic goal taking Argentina ahead to end the 28 years without a trophy. De Paul assisted brilliantly defusing the Brazilian defence.
Argentina dominated throughout the game giving no chance to Brazil in any moment of the game. When the match ended, a tearful Messi was thrown into the air by some of his joyous teammates.
Argentine line up said everything about the game. Di Maria in the first eleven was the trump card and the deciding factor in the game, Maria was in the forefront leading and De Paul as one among the key creative forces. Brazil's most celebrated squad and it's weak midfield had been exposed in the game. Argentina performed outstanding attack and defence almost silenced the Brazilian midfield.
Argentina's winning goal came in the 22nd minute after Rodrigo de Paul made a long pass to Angel di Maria. The 33-year-old veteran striker counted on some sloppy defending from left-back Renan Lodi to take control and lob it past goalkeeper Ederson.
It was only the third goal Brazil conceded in the tournament. Neymar tried hard with dribbles and passes, but the Selecao barely threatened Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The team of coach Tite had won its previous five matches in the Copa America and scored goals in all of them.
Messi's performance in the final was not as impressive as in previous matches of the tournament, during which he scored four goals and had five assists. He had a clear opportunity in the 88th minute, tried to dribble Ederson, but the Brazilian goalkeeper stopped him.
Brazil as squad failed to perform well. This match once again proves that Brazil coach Tite is never a good tactician, evidently committing and repeating mistakes in the important games.
However, Argentina has ended it's 28 years of dry spell defeating the rivals in their own stadium. Over last few years Argentina ended up in loosing all the four finals. Losing every time was matter of high voltage debate and criticism.
Moreover this victory ends the lifetime wait of legend Lionel Messi for a major title in his credit and also provides the superstar some relief after all the questions throughout his career on his effectiveness playing for the national team.
Argentina as team played more tactical and planned game today. This victory marks a fresh beginning for Argentina and will add their confidence for the next 2022 world cup.