2024 Copa America | Argentina victorious as Lo Celso sets up winner
Mon 15 July 2024, 09:20|
Tottenham Hotspur
Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso are Copa America champions with Argentina for the second time!
The duo both saw action during this year’s showpiece final against Colombia in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of Monday morning, with midfielder Gio providing the assist for Lautaro Martinez’s extra-time winner.
The clash at the Hard Rock Stadium, which had been delayed due to pre-match crowd issues outside the venue, went to extra time after the initial 90 minutes had ended goalless, but Gio’s through ball - a pass curled around former Spurs man Davinson Sanchez - and Martinez’s subsequent finish in the 112th minute gave Argentina a 1-0 win and a record 15th Copa America crown.
The midfielder was introduced off the bench in the 97th minute, while defender ‘Cuti’ played the full 120 from the start.
It represents a second Copa America title for both players after they also helped their nation lift the trophy in 2021.
Cuti started five of Argentina’s six games at the tournament, only sitting out of the third group stage match against Peru when qualification for the knockout stages had already been secured, while Gio made one start and four substitute appearances.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, Rodrigo Bentancur scored during the game and the resulting penalty shootout to help Uruguay beat Canada in the tournament’s third place play-off in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The midfielder fired his side in front inside eight minutes with his second goal of the tournament but after Canada turned things around through Ismael Kone and Jonathan David, a stoppage-time equaliser from Luis Suarez made it 2-2 and sent the match to penalties. Rodrigo, who featured in all six of his nation’s games at the tournament, four as a substitute and two from the start, netted Uruguay’s second spot-kick as they went on to win 4-3 and claim the bronze medal.
Over in Germany, Euro 2024 also reached its conclusion on Sunday night as Spain overcame England 2-1 in the final in Berlin.