Unprecedented dramatic ending, Argentina team once again reached the top

The Copa America 2024 final on July 15 left many emotions, from fans' anger at poor security, Messi's tears, to 120 minutes of breathtaking play and Argentina's narrow 1-0 win over Colombia in extra time.

Serious security incident

The US press has heavily criticized the security work for exposing too many weaknesses, the organizing committee did not foresee all the incidents. Thousands of Colombian fans without tickets jostled and broke the ticket gates, causing serious chaos and causing the final match to be postponed for nearly 75 minutes. Security officials were even helpless and had to increase their forces to handle and arrest dozens of overzealous spectators. Dozens of people fainted from being trampled, many were injured and needed medical attention.

 

 

Chaos, organizers cannot control the audience

"The scene outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens (Florida, USA) before the final match was like a battlefield. It's hard to believe this is the image before a highly anticipated football final," commented journalist Felipe Cardenas of CBS Sports Golazo (USA). The unfortunate incident caused the host country, the US, to be heavily criticized. Former football star Alexi Lalas expressed on FOX Soccer: "These images are not good for the US at all, while in less than 2 years, we will host the 2026 World Cup". Fortunately, the worst outcome of the Copa America 2024 final did not happen, the match was not postponed to another day. The Copa America 2024 Organizing Committee, along with the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and CONCACAF (North, Central America and the Caribbean), made the right decision at the last minute to reopen the ticket gates for fans to enter the stadium. Ticket checks have also been loosened to prevent stampedes that could endanger the lives of spectators. This incident, along with the recent uproar when Colombian fans and Uruguayan players fought in the stands after the semi-final, has really sounded the alarm about security for the host country, the United States, not only at Copa America 2024, but also at the 2026 World Cup.

120 breathless minutes

The match between Argentina and Colombia was very dramatic and attractive because of the intensity and also because of... Messi's tears when he had to leave the field due to a serious injury from the 65th minute. Falling into a very uncertain situation, the bravery of the current World Cup and Copa America champion helped the Argentina team overcome the difficulties spectacularly.

Argentina successfully defended Copa America title

AFP

Coach Scaloni made excellent substitutions after Messi left the field. The supporting players Nicolas Gonzalez and then Molina, Lo Celso, Lautaro Martinez and Paredes played very well. The Argentina team seemed to have "changed", playing more directly and effectively. Against the extremely tough opponent Colombia, Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal in the 112th minute of extra time, creating a difference, an important turning point for the match. The Argentina team therefore continued to become the Copa America champion, and is the team with the most championships in the history of Copa America with 16 titles, surpassing Uruguay with 15 titles. This championship title will also be a happy ending for Messi, Di Maria and Otamendi, the veteran players of the Argentina team. Meanwhile, Colombia regrets that their tireless efforts were not rewarded.

Who owns the individual titles?

Argentina became the second team in the world to win three major tournaments in a row: Copa America 2021, 2024 and World Cup 2022. Previously, Spain achieved this feat when they won EURO 2008, 2012 and World Cup 2010. Argentina was also awarded two individual awards: Top scorer Lautaro Martinez (scored 5 goals); Best goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. In addition to the runner-up position, Colombia was also consolated with the Fair play title and the Best Player of the tournament James Rodriguez.

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