Argentina advanced into the semi-finals of the Copa America after defeated Colombia 5-4 on penalties following the game finishing goalless. Argentina dominated the game but David Ospina was inspired form in the Colombia goal and he made some magnificent stops to ensure the game was to be decided on penalties.
Argentina started the game on the front, coming close to going in-front just four minutes into game, Angel Di Maria broke down the left hand side and drilled in a cross towards Javier Pastore, the PSG midfielder attempted to find the bottom corner but Jeison Murillo deflected the ball into the path of Ospina who was quick to react and push the ball wide; the first good save from the Arsenal stopper. From the resulted corner Marcos Rojo left his marker but was unable to direct his header on target as the ball flew over the bar; a good start from Argentina, putting Colombia under pressure from the start.
Argentina came close to opening the scoring once again from a corner from the left hand side from Angel Di Maria, the corner fell to the feet of Messi, his touch fell straight to Sergio Aguero, the Manchester City striker was chopped down by Arias, the ball eventually falling back to Messi whose effort was deflected wide. Strong claims for a penalty from Argentina were ignored from the referee.
Argentina continued to dominate throughout the entire first half, Aguero firing a header just over the crossbar in the 23rd minute following a good cross from Di Maria from the left hand side once again, another good opportunity for Argentina to take the lead.
The best opportunity of the game come in the 26th minute, Javier Pastore got down the right hand side and found Aguero in space in the box, his effort was denied by the leg of Ospina and the ball looped up and landed on the head of Lionel Messi with the goal gaping, but somehow Ospina scrambled across his line and managed to save Messi’s powerful header; incredible save from the goalkeeper, save of the tournament without a doubt.
A completely dominant display from La Albicelest, created numerous chances to failing to do so due to David Ospina being in superb form to keep his country in the game. Colombia lacked any attacking threat in the first half, having no shots on goal in the first 45; offering little threat. The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Argentina looking the strongest side and most likely to take the lead, but Argentina continued to be denied by David Ospina. The tempers of both sides began to show early in the second period, one of Argentina’s coaching staff being sent from the dugout after arguments broke out over a tackle from Juan Cuadrado on Marcos Rojo. Argentina brought on Ever Banega in the 77th minute and he almost made an impact straight away, the ball fell to the midfielder 30 yards out, he unleashed a vicious strike on goal but was denied by the crossbar, David Ospina was beaten by the strike but the powerful effort could only find the woodwork. Moments later Argentina had the woodwork rattled once again, a corner from the left hand side from Di Maria was met by Nicolas Otamendi, his volley was tipped onto the post from Ospina; another superb reaction save from the goalkeeper to deny Argentina the lead. Argentina came extremely close to taking the lead in the 88th minute, an over the top ball was chased down by Tevez but Zapata got their first but could only divert the ball past Ospina and into his own goal, the ball stopped on the line by a superb last ditch tackle from Murillo as Lavezzi was closing in on the loose ball, a fantastic clearance from the defender to send the game to penalties. The first six penalties of the shootout found the back of the net. Luis Muriel was brought on for the penalties but he failed to convert his, giving Argentina the advantage. Lavezzi stepped up and fired home with help from the post to put Argentina 4-3 in front. Edwin Cardona had to score to keep Colombia alive and that he did, the midfielder squeezing the ball under Romero. Lucas Biglia stepped up to seal the victory for Argentina, but the Lazio midfielder missed the target, sending the shootout into sudden death. The next three penalties were all remarkably missed, both sides squandered the chance to advance into the final, following Murillo’s miss, Carlos Tevez stepped up and found the back of the net to send Argentina into the semi-finals.
Argentina deserved the victory as they completely dominated the game in the 90 minute; they had numerous opportunities to score but were denied by an outstanding David Ospina. Colombia offered little threat throughout the game, only registering one shot on target in the 90 minutes.
