Chile vs Argentina: CONMEBOL Copa America – BBC Sport

Argentina became the first country to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa America after Lautaro Martinez’s late strike earned victory over Chile.

The defending champions were dominant in the encounter at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, firing 22 shots.

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez and Fiorentina midfielder Nicolas Gonzalez were the first to test Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, setting the tone early on.

Argentina’s best chance in the first half fell to talisman Lionel Messi, but the Inter Miami star was denied by the post.

The pattern of play remained the same after the break, with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister spurning a golden opportunity.

It took until the 72nd minute for Chile to register their first goal attempt, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez forced into a save by Rodrigo Echeverria.

That chance seemed to spark Chile, who were winless in 30 games against Argentina in the Copa America, when Echeverria and Marcelino Nunez both tested Aston Villa number one Martinez.

With the match heading towards a frustrating draw, Inter Milan striker Martinez broke the deadlock in the 88th minute.

Martinez, who was also on the bench during Friday’s 2-0 win over Canada, was quickest to react to a loose ball in the crowded penalty area after Chile failed to convert Messi’s corner.

“These matches are always like this. We have to continue in the same way and treat the matches this way because they will all be complicated,” Martinez told TyC Sports.

“Everything was tight, they set up rows of five every now and then, but we’re happy that we got the three points in the end, and that’s what we wanted.”

Argentina top Group A and are assured of a top-two finish with a match to spare. They play their final group match against Peru on Sunday (01:00 BST).