NEW DELHI: Argentina overcame a resilient Chile side with a late goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez in a tightly contested Copa America match at MetLife Stadium, securing a 1-0 victory and a place in the quarter-finals.
The match, played in front of a fervent pro-Argentina crowd of 82,000, saw the Copa America favourites dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Lionel Messi, captain and talisman for Argentina, came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, striking the post with a powerful long-range effort.
Chile, however, proved to be stubborn opposition, defending resolutely and relying on the experience of 41-year-old goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who produced a string of impressive saves to keep the score level.
Bravo denied Julian Alvarez early on, parried away a Nahuel Molina effort in the second half, and reacted brilliantly to tip a Nicolas Gonzalez strike onto the crossbar.
While Argentina controlled the tempo, Chile posed a threat on the counter-attack, forcing Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into two crucial saves from Rodrigo Echeverria.
The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute from a set-piece opportunity. Chile failed to clear a dangerous in-swinging corner from Messi, allowing Lautaro Martinez to pounce on the loose ball and secure a dramatic late victory for Argentina.
The result sees Argentina progress to the quarter-finals of the Copa America, maintaining their pursuit of a record-extending 15th title. Chile, despite a valiant effort, exit the tournament.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
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