2021 Copa América Final: Key Stats And Highlights

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

The 2021 Copa América Final was a match for the ages, pitting two South American giants, Argentina and Brazil, against each other in a fierce battle for continental supremacy. Argentina emerged victorious, securing their first major title in 28 years and Lionel Messi's first major international trophy. Let's dive into the key stats and highlights of this memorable match.

Match Summary

The final took place on July 10, 2021, at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The atmosphere was electric, with a limited number of fans allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Argentina, led by their talisman Lionel Messi, faced a formidable Brazil side, spearheaded by Neymar Jr., in what was expected to be a tightly contested affair. The game lived up to its billing, delivering drama, intensity, and moments of brilliance.

Key Moments

  • Goal: Ángel Di María scored the only goal of the match in the 22nd minute, chipping the ball over Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson after a sublime pass from Rodrigo De Paul. This goal proved to be the decisive moment, securing Argentina's victory.
  • Defensive Solidity: Argentina's defense, led by Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero, put in a resolute performance, thwarting Brazil's attacking attempts and limiting their clear-cut chances.
  • Messi's Triumph: The victory marked a significant milestone in Lionel Messi's career, finally capturing a major international trophy with Argentina, silencing critics who questioned his ability to replicate his club success on the international stage.

Detailed Statistics

To fully appreciate the nuances of the match, let's delve into the detailed statistics that paint a comprehensive picture of the game. Analyzing these stats, guys, can help us understand the tactical approaches, key performances, and overall flow of the match. We'll break it down into several sections:

Overall Stats

  • Possession: Brazil dominated possession with 60%, while Argentina held the ball for 40% of the match. This indicates Brazil's intent to control the game and dictate the tempo, but Argentina's efficiency on the counter-attack proved to be the difference.
  • Shots: Brazil had more shots overall, registering 13 attempts compared to Argentina's 6. However, Argentina were more clinical, with 2 shots on target compared to Brazil's 2.
  • Pass Accuracy: Brazil had a pass accuracy of 85%, while Argentina had a pass accuracy of 79%. This reflects Brazil's possession-based approach, focusing on short, accurate passes to maintain control.
  • Fouls: The match was physical, with a total of 41 fouls committed. Argentina committed 22 fouls, while Brazil committed 19. This highlights the intense nature of the contest and the tactical fouling employed by both teams to disrupt the opponent's rhythm.
  • Yellow Cards: A total of 9 yellow cards were issued, with Argentina receiving 5 and Brazil receiving 4. This indicates the high stakes and the willingness of both teams to engage in tactical fouls to gain an advantage.

Attacking Stats

  • Shots on Target: As mentioned earlier, both teams had 2 shots on target. This demonstrates the effectiveness of both defenses in limiting clear-cut chances.
  • Shots off Target: Brazil had 11 shots off target, while Argentina had 4. This suggests that Brazil, while creating more opportunities, lacked precision in their finishing.
  • Corners: Brazil earned 6 corners, while Argentina had only 1. This indicates Brazil's sustained pressure in the attacking third.
  • Crosses: Brazil attempted 30 crosses, while Argentina attempted 11. However, the effectiveness of these crosses was limited by Argentina's strong aerial defense.

Defensive Stats

  • Tackles: Argentina made 20 tackles, while Brazil made 15. This reflects Argentina's more proactive approach in winning back possession.
  • Interceptions: Argentina recorded 15 interceptions, while Brazil had 9. This highlights Argentina's ability to read the game and anticipate Brazil's passes.
  • Clearances: Argentina made 26 clearances, while Brazil made 14. This indicates the amount of pressure Argentina's defense had to withstand throughout the match.

Individual Player Stats

  • Lionel Messi (Argentina): While he didn't score, Messi was instrumental in Argentina's victory, creating chances and dictating play. He completed 8 dribbles and won 14 duels.
  • Ángel Di María (Argentina): Scored the winning goal with a brilliant chip over Ederson. He was a constant threat on the right wing, stretching the Brazilian defense.
  • Neymar Jr. (Brazil): Despite his best efforts, Neymar was unable to unlock the Argentine defense. He completed 6 dribbles and won 12 duels but was often crowded out by Argentina's defenders.
  • Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina): Provided the assist for Di María's goal with a superb through ball. He was a tireless presence in midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively.

Tactical Analysis

The 2021 Copa América Final was a tactical masterclass, with both teams employing distinct strategies to gain an edge. Argentina's game plan revolved around defensive solidity, quick counter-attacks, and Lionel Messi's brilliance. Brazil, on the other hand, focused on possession-based football, attempting to break down Argentina's defense through intricate passing and individual skill. Let's break it down even further:

Argentina's Approach

Argentina adopted a compact defensive shape, frustrating Brazil's attacking attempts. They were disciplined in their positioning, denying Brazil space in dangerous areas. Argentina's midfielders worked tirelessly to track back and support the defense, limiting Brazil's opportunities to create clear-cut chances. When they won possession, Argentina transitioned quickly into attack, utilizing the pace and skill of Di María and Messi to exploit the spaces behind Brazil's defense. The early goal allowed Argentina to sit back and defend, making it difficult for Brazil to break them down.

Brazil's Approach

Brazil dominated possession, attempting to control the game and dictate the tempo. They focused on short, accurate passes to maintain possession and probe for openings in Argentina's defense. Neymar was the focal point of Brazil's attack, constantly looking to create chances with his dribbling and passing ability. However, Argentina's defense was well-organized and disciplined, limiting Neymar's impact on the game. Brazil struggled to break down Argentina's defense, often resorting to long-range shots and crosses, which were effectively dealt with by Argentina's defenders. Their inability to convert possession into goals ultimately cost them the match. I feel like Brazil underestimated the Argentina side.

Conclusion

The 2021 Copa América Final was a captivating encounter filled with drama, intensity, and tactical intrigue. Argentina's victory marked a historic moment, ending their 28-year wait for a major title and providing Lionel Messi with his first major international trophy. The key stats highlight Argentina's defensive resilience and efficiency on the counter-attack, while Brazil's dominance in possession and shots failed to translate into goals. This match will be remembered as a classic in South American football history, showcasing the passion, skill, and competitive spirit of the continent's best teams. Whether you're an Argentina fan or not, this game was truly one for the books!