EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- A rematch from the first match of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America sees a dominant powerhouse take on a potential threat in the opening semifinal on Tuesday, as Argentina takes on Canada.
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The two countries met for the first time in international competition in the opening match back on June 20. While Canada proved it could keep up with the reigning Copa and World Cup champions, Argentina’s experience proved to be too much, coming away with a 2-0 victory.
However, their paths led to them meeting again, with a spot in the final on the line.
Argentina has yet to lose a match in the tournament, though a couple of their matches were a little close for comfort. After squeaking out wins over Chile and Peru to clinch the top spot in Group A, La Albiceleste was in a knock-down, drag-it-out contest against Ecuador in the quarterfinals last Thursday. Argentina surrendered its first goal of the tournament in stoppage time, forcing penalties against the South American rival. Even with a miss from Lionel Messi, goalkeeper Emi Martinez bailed out his team with a couple of nice saves, sending Argentina to the semifinals for the fifth consecutive tournament.
Canada needed just one win over Peru and a draw with Chile to finish second in Group A. Then, in their first Copa quarterfinal match, the Canadians wasted a hot start against Venezuela, as Jacob Shaffelburg’s early goal was all the invitees could muster up in 90 minutes. Pair that with a massive defensive miscue in the second they half, and penalties were also needed to determine a winner. Despite his massive gaffe during normal time, Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made two huge saves, securing his team’s spot in the semifinals.
This is the Cancuks’ first semifinal since the 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League season, the last time they played in a championship match in any international competition. Argentina is looking to advance to the final for the sixth time in the last eight tournaments.
2024 COPA AMERICA: SEMIFINALS
Argentina vs. Canada
When: Tuesday, July 9
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Where: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.)
Channel: FOX Sports 1, TUDN, Univision
Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial), Sling, DirecTV Stream