AUTHOR- AAYUSHYA PRAKASH
In the final of Copa America 2021, Argentina and Messi were to face the hosts and defending champions Brazil. Brazil defeated a brave Peru side to secure a spot in the Final. The atmosphere was electrifying at Maracana. It’s the same
venue where Germany handed Argentina a world cup defeat 7 years ago. The
star-studded Brazilian team featured Neymar, Caseimero, Thiago Silva,
Marquinhos, Vinicius Jr. Firmino and Ederson. Argentina were also nothing less
than that playing Angel Di Maria, PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, Lautaro
Martinez, veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi and two very creative and underrated
midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso. The match was going to be full of attacks and
high voltage drama. In simple words Box Office.
The Selecao were looking to attack from the
beginning. Fred was awarded the first yellow card of the match. Soon after
Argentina got possession and within 20 minutes they landed their first blow. This
match was nothing like slowly settling in the game and finding possession or
maintaining formation. In fact it was an ‘attack is the best defense’ kind of
game. Both teams were trying hard to intercept almost every pass and not
letting the opponent find rhythm. While Brazil enjoyed more possession, Argentinians
were always looking dangerous on the attack.
Angels to the God
The Brazilian defence looked solid with the
likes of Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and CDM Caseimiro. In the 21st
minute of the game an ecstatic pass from the Argentine midfielder Rodri De
Paul set Angel De Maria free on the right wing who controlled it with sublime
delicacy. Renan Lodi failed to intercept which compelled Ederson to charge on
De Maria. Angel saw the opening and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper which
found the back of the net, the only time in the game. Two angels collaborated
to accomplish God’s will. Till the final whistle, it remained the only
difference between the two teams.
Missed chances
In the 52nd minute Brazil had
the chance to equalize. Richalison slided one into the net on rebound from
Otamendi. But the referee raised the offside flag and the goal was disallowed.
In the 55th minute, Martinez made a superman save to deny Richalison
who hammered one on the target.
Late in the 89th minute Messi
missed a simple chance. On the counter, Messi crossed the ball to
Rodri on right flank who offloaded it to Messi. Only Ederson was in the way,
but one wrong footing ensured an easy save from the City’s Wall. Otherwise,
Brazil was done for good.
What it takes to win a cup?
Argentina won Copa America after 28
years. In 10 edition after 1993, La Pulga played in 5. In 3 of them he carried
his team into the finals. He lost two of the finals on penalties while the last edition saw Argentina facing humiliation by the hands of Brazil. But this year, something was
different with the Argentinean team.
Over the group stage matches we saw a team
which was not playing without a cause. We saw a hungry team who wanted to
achieve something for someone special. They were ready to go on war for the one
the whole Argentina loves the most. We saw a coach who was questioned time and
again, ever since he was given charge of the team. He defied all odds to win a
major trophy with his team and silenced every mouth around the footballing
world. We saw a group of people which was not all about one man’s performance. As
I’m writing this article, Coach Scaloni in a press meeting stated that Messi
played with a hamstring injury. In the semi final he was fouled many times.
His left sock turned red near ankle just around 1 hour mark. In the final fullback Montiel met the same fate. We saw a team who played with dirt on their
jersey, blood drenched socks and a heart full of trust, resilience and will. In
the end it was all emotions.
