Copa America preview
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Half-time:
Mexico 0
Argentina 1
Gabriel Henize 45' -
final score:
Mexico 0
Argentina 3
Gabriel Henize 45'
Lionel Messi 61'
Juan Riquelme 65' (pen) -
the unlucky mexicans hit the woodwork twice.
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Argentina set up Brazil final
Argentina cruised into the final of the Copa America with a 3-0 victory over Mexico.
Mexico had been impressive in making their way through to the last four but could not compete with the individual brilliance of Argentina as goals from Gabriel Heinze, Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme set up a repeat of the 2004 final against Brazil.
Argentina controlled possession from the start but Mexico could have taken an early lead when Juan Carlos Cacho took advantage of a defensive mix-up, only to fire over the crossbar.
Carlos Tevez was at the centre of Argentina's most dangerous moves but could not find the target after escaping the attentions of two defenders.
Andres Guardado then hit the post for Mexico as chances came and went at both ends, before Heinze broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time.
Riquelme floated a free-kick towards the back post from 35 yards out and the Manchester United defender volleyed home expertly.
Mexico almost levelled early in the second half when Nery Castillo saw his shot come back off the bar, and Hugo Sanchez's side were made to pay when Messi scored a sublime second in the 61st minute.
The Barcelona forward received a pass from Tevez on the right-hand side of the area and produced a moment of magic to chip the ball delightfully over Mexico keeper Oswaldo Sanchez.
Any hope Mexico had of getting back into the game disappeared in the 65th minute when Rafael Marquez gave away a penalty for obstructing Tevez.
Riquelme confidently put away the spot-kick to give Argentina the chance for a record 15th title against rivals Brazil on Sunday.
Mexico will contest the third-place play-off against Uruguay on Saturday. -
argentina have won this competition 7 times more than brazil.
but they have not won it since 1993.
i wonder why. -
Strike force not good enough?Originally posted by dragg:argentina have won this competition 7 times more than brazil.
but they have not won it since 1993.
i wonder why. -
Uruguay 1 - 3 Mexico
scorers:S Abreu (Uruguay)
C Blanco (pen)(Mexico), O Bravo(Mexico), A Guardado (Mexico)