Staunch Chile defense undone by Argentina's late winner

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Substitute Lautaro Martinez grabbed an 88th-minute winner as Argentina finally overcame Chile 1-0 on Tuesday, booking its place in the quarterfinals of the Copa America.
Lionel Messi hit the post for Argentina in the first half, but the World Cup winner had its goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to thank for keeping it on level terms before Lautaro's late strike settled a pulsating clash in front of 82,000 fans at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
There were enough openings for the 15-time Copa America champion to get the breakthrough much earlier, but a combination of poor finishing and an inspired performance from Chile's 41-year-old goalkeeper Claudio Bravo left the score deadlocked.
The home of the NFL's New York Jets and New York Giants — and venue for the 2026 World Cup final — was transformed into a home venue for Argentina, and the expectant crowd saw Messi and company dictate proceedings in the early stages.
Messi's strike partner Julian Alvarez forced Bravo into a save in the 22nd minute with a first-time shot after Nicolas Gonzalez had pulled the ball back from the byline.
Chile was doing a good job of neutralizing Messi, closing him down with as many as three players on occasion.
But, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was inches away from an opener in the 36th minute, with a shot from 25 yards that clipped the outside of the post.
Chile has twice left Argentina distraught, with victories in the Copa America finals of 2015 and 2016, the latter, also played at MetLife Stadium, saw Messi react by briefly quitting the national side.
But, while Chile proved stubborn, there is a real swagger about the world champion and a belief that it can always turn a game its way.
As Argentina piled on the pressure, Bravo did well after the break to parry away a blast at the near post from Nahuel Molina, and then showed great reactions to push a fierce Nicolas Gonzalez drive against the bar.
Chile threatened on the counter, and twice Argentina goalkeeper Martinez had to be at his best to deny drives from Rodrigo Echeverria.
The decisive moment came when Chile failed to clear an in-swinging corner from Messi and Lautaro pounced to grab the winner, which was confirmed after a lengthy VAR offside check.
Lautaro should have added a second after a breakaway from Angel Di Maria, but in the end the solitary goal was enough to make it two wins out of two for Argentina, booking its place in the next round with a game to spare.
"I got in there and I was able to score. These games are always like that, we have to keep playing in the same way, treating the games in this way, as they are all going to be complicated," Lautaro told TyC Sports.
In other Copa America action, Jonathan David scored the only goal as Canada reignited its campaign with a 1-0 victory over 10-man Peru in sweltering Kansas City.
Lille striker David — who is reportedly being targeted by Manchester United and Chelsea — once again demonstrated his eye for goal with a cool finish to secure all three points at Children's Mercy Park Stadium.
AFP

Today's Top News
- China ready to play constructive role in Pakistan-India ceasefire efforts, says FM
- Xi to attend opening ceremony of fourth ministerial meeting of China-CELAC Forum
- Explosions heard in Indian-controlled Kashmir hours after ceasefire
- China, Switzerland vow closer ties, upgraded deal
- Xi returns to Beijing after state visit to Russia, attending Great Patriotic War victory celebrations
- Pakistan, India agree to ceasefire with immediate effect