2021 Copa América Final: Key Stats And Highlights

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

The 2021 Copa América final was a thrilling encounter between Argentina and Brazil, two of South America's football giants. Held at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the match was a spectacle of skill, passion, and tactical brilliance. Argentina emerged victorious, securing a 1-0 win, ending their 28-year trophy drought. This victory was particularly sweet for Lionel Messi, who finally clinched a major international title with his national team. Let's dive into the key stats and highlights of this unforgettable final.

Match Summary

The final took place on July 10, 2021, and expectations were sky-high. The atmosphere at the Maracanã was electric, with a limited number of fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the energy inside the stadium was palpable, and millions more watched from around the globe. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, aimed to break their long-standing trophy drought, while Brazil, the defending champions, sought to retain their title on home soil. The match was officiated by Uruguayan referee Esteban Ostojich, who had the unenviable task of keeping control of a game filled with intense rivalry and high stakes.

From the kickoff, it was clear that both teams were prepared for a physical and tactical battle. Brazil, coached by Tite, adopted a more pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. Argentina, under the guidance of Lionel Scaloni, looked to control possession and build their attacks through Messi and other creative players. The first half was marked by several fouls and robust challenges as both teams fought for dominance in midfield. The opening goal came in the 22nd minute when Ángel Di María exquisitely chipped the ball over Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson after a brilliant pass from Rodrigo De Paul. The goal sent the Argentine fans into raptures and put Brazil on the back foot.

In the second half, Brazil came out with renewed vigor, pressing higher up the pitch and creating several goal-scoring opportunities. However, the Argentine defense, led by Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero, stood firm, repelling wave after wave of Brazilian attacks. Lionel Messi had a golden opportunity to seal the victory late in the game, but he uncharacteristically missed his chance. Nevertheless, Argentina managed to hold on to their slender lead, sparking scenes of jubilation at the final whistle. The victory marked a significant milestone in Argentine football history and cemented Messi's legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

Key Stats

Understanding the 2021 Copa América final stats provides a deeper insight into the dynamics of the match. Here's a breakdown of the crucial numbers:

  • Possession: Argentina held 44% of the possession, while Brazil had 56%. Although Brazil had more of the ball, they struggled to break down Argentina's disciplined defense.
  • Shots: Brazil had 13 total shots, with 2 on target, while Argentina managed 6 shots, with 2 on target. This indicates that while Brazil created more opportunities, they lacked the clinical finishing touch.
  • Pass Accuracy: Brazil had a pass accuracy of 84%, slightly better than Argentina's 79%. However, Argentina's passes were often more incisive and created better scoring chances.
  • Fouls: The match was highly contested, with a total of 41 fouls committed. Argentina committed 22 fouls, while Brazil committed 19, reflecting the intense physical battle.
  • Yellow Cards: Argentina received 5 yellow cards, and Brazil received 3, underscoring the match's combative nature.
  • Corners: Brazil earned 6 corners, while Argentina had only 1. However, Brazil failed to capitalize on their set-piece opportunities.
  • Offsides: Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating a well-organized defensive line from both sides.

These Copa América final stats highlight that Argentina's victory was built on tactical discipline, defensive resilience, and clinical finishing. Despite having less possession and fewer shots, they made the most of their opportunities and successfully contained Brazil's attacking threats. The high number of fouls and yellow cards also reflects the intense and physical nature of the match, with both teams fiercely contesting every ball.

Individual Performances

Individual performances played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the final. Several players stood out for their contributions:

  • Ángel Di María: Di María scored the decisive goal with a sublime finish, earning him the Man of the Match award. His pace, skill, and composure were instrumental in Argentina's victory.
  • Lionel Messi: While Messi didn't score, his overall performance was outstanding. He created several opportunities, showcased his dribbling skills, and led his team with determination. This title was particularly significant for Messi, marking his first major international trophy with Argentina.
  • Rodrigo De Paul: De Paul's energetic performance in midfield was crucial for Argentina. He provided the assist for Di María's goal and worked tirelessly to win back possession and disrupt Brazil's attacks.
  • Nicolás Otamendi: Otamendi was a rock in the Argentine defense, making numerous crucial tackles and interceptions. His leadership and experience were vital in keeping Brazil's attackers at bay.
  • Casemiro: For Brazil, Casemiro was one of the standout performers. He shielded the defense effectively, broke up Argentine attacks, and distributed the ball well. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent Argentina from scoring.

These individual performances highlight the blend of talent, experience, and determination that characterized the final. Di María's goal, Messi's leadership, De Paul's energy, and Otamendi's defensive solidity were all key factors in Argentina's triumph. While Brazil had some strong individual performances, they couldn't match Argentina's collective effort and clinical finishing.

Tactical Analysis

The tactical approaches of both teams were critical in determining the flow of the game. Argentina adopted a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlling possession and creating opportunities through Messi and Di María. Their midfield trio of De Paul, Leandro Paredes, and Giovani Lo Celso worked tirelessly to win back possession and support the attack. Defensively, Argentina were well-organized, with Otamendi and Romero forming a solid partnership at the heart of the defense.

Brazil, on the other hand, employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to exploit their attacking talents like Neymar, Richarlison, and Everton. However, they struggled to break down Argentina's disciplined defense, and their attacking players were often isolated. The midfield duo of Casemiro and Fred provided defensive cover, but they lacked the creativity to unlock Argentina's defense. Brazil's full-backs, Renan Lodi and Danilo, were unable to provide the width and attacking impetus that Tite had hoped for.

Argentina's tactical discipline and defensive organization proved to be the key to their success. They effectively neutralized Brazil's attacking threats and capitalized on their own opportunities. Brazil's failure to adapt their tactics and break down Argentina's defense ultimately cost them the game.

Impact and Significance

The 2021 Copa América final was more than just a game; it was a historic moment for Argentine football. The victory ended Argentina's 28-year trophy drought and brought immense joy to fans across the country. For Lionel Messi, it was a particularly significant triumph, as he finally secured a major international title with Argentina, silencing his critics and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

The final also had a significant impact on Brazilian football. The defeat on home soil was a bitter pill to swallow for the defending champions. It raised questions about their tactical approach and their ability to perform under pressure. However, it also served as a valuable learning experience, motivating them to improve and come back stronger in future competitions.

The 2021 Copa América final stats and highlights will be remembered for years to come. The match was a testament to the passion, skill, and tactical brilliance of South American football. It showcased the intense rivalry between Argentina and Brazil and the unwavering determination of both teams to succeed. The final will forever be etched in the annals of football history as a classic encounter between two of the world's greatest footballing nations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2021 Copa América final was a captivating match filled with drama, skill, and tactical intrigue. Argentina's victory over Brazil was a historic moment, ending their long trophy drought and marking a significant milestone in Lionel Messi's career. The key Copa América final stats reveal that Argentina's success was built on defensive resilience, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing. Despite Brazil having more possession and shots, Argentina made the most of their opportunities and successfully contained Brazil's attacking threats. The individual performances of players like Ángel Di María, Lionel Messi, and Nicolás Otamendi were crucial in shaping the outcome of the final. The match will be remembered as a classic encounter between two of South America's football giants and a testament to the passion and skill of the beautiful game.