Lionel Messi’s Argentina recorded their first win of the Copa America 2021 by beating rivals Uruguay 1-0. Guido Rodriguez, who came in to replace Leandro Paredes, scored the only goal of the match to help his team record a narrow win.
Lionel Scaloni made a couple of changes to his team for the Uruguay match. In came Guido Rodriguez and Marcos Acuna in place of Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Tagliafico. As Rodriguez put Argentina in front in the thirteenth minute, the changes paid dividends, heading in a cross by Lionel Messi. Shortly after, Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina stung the palms of Fernando Muslera with an effort from range after being played through by Messi. Rodrigo Bentancur’s wayward shot from distance the closest Uruguay came to Emiliano Martinez’s goal in the first half, at the other end.
Uruguay started the second half positively. Left-back Matias Vina’s dangerous cross was nearly turned in, but neither Edinson Cavani nor Luis Suarez were able to connect with it inside the box. Suarez then miscued a volley inside the box after a cross found him in space. Nonetheless, the record Copa America winners were unable to find a way past the Argentina defence.
Chile raised a few eyebrows when they called up Blackburn’s Ben Brereton to their squad for the Copa America. However, the forward repaid their faith by scoring what proved to be the only goal against Bolivia. Brereton was found in acres of space by Eduardo Vargas, and the striker had the composure to guide the ball past the goalkeeper.
Chile’s win means they join Argentina atop Group B, with both teams on four points. Paraguay are third with three, while Uruguay and Bolivia are yet to open their account.
