In Group D of the Copa America Centenario, Argentina looked as convincing as possible thanks to Lionel Messi, clinching their place in the quarterfinal. Chile did what they had to, setting up a final-day showdown with Panama for the second ticket.
Chile 2 Bolivia 1: Not the easiest match in the world to watch, as Bolivia managed to score one goal with one shot at goal. Chile were the better side, but found it difficult to break into the Bolivian bunker. Arturo Vidal made the most of a Bolivian turnover, executing a nice 1-2 with Mauricio Pinilla to put his team in front after just one minute in the second half. Jhasmani Campos equalized in the 61st minute with a stunning free kick, but Chile getting a penalty kick in stoppage time (Luis Gutierrez called for a handball) allowed Vidal the opportunity to be a hero, and give Chile the boost they needed.
Argentina 5 Panama 0: Turns out all Argentina needed was Lionel Messi, giving them his brilliance off the bench to secure a place in the final 8 of the tournament, although it was difficult for over an hour. Argentina got the lead through Nicolas Otamendi with a header off a Angel di Maria cross in the 7th minute. From there? Frustration, even against 10 men, beginning in the 31st minute. Messi coming on in the 61st minute changed everything, as he scored a hat trick (now with 53 goals for the national side). Sergio Aguero added a fifth goal in the 90th minute.
Group D Table
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Argentina (A) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 6 | Advance to knockout stage |
2 | Chile | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
3 | Panama | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 3 | |
4 | Bolivia (E) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 0 |
Top Scorers
- Philippe Coutinho (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina): 3 goals
- Renato Augusto (Brazil), James Rodriguez (Colombia), Blas Pérez (Panama), Arturo Vidal (Chile): 2 goals
- 29 Players with one goal each