Nidhish Waghmare
Argentina cemented their place as Copa America kings on Sunday, defeating Colombia in the final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This victory marks their 16th title in the prestigious South American tournament, solidifying their position as the most decorated nation in Copa America history.
Colombia’s Unbeaten Streak Snapped
The road to glory wasn’t without its challenges. Argentina faced a formidable opponent in Colombia, who entered the final riding a staggering 28-match unbeaten streak – the longest active run in men’s international football at the time. Colombia’s last defeat prior to the Copa America 2024 final came against Argentina itself in 2022, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the winning goal.
Despite their impressive form, Colombia’s dream run came to an end against their familiar foes. Argentina emerged victorious, extending their own unbeaten streak to 36 games before falling short of Italy’s all-time record of 37 games set between 2018 and 2021.
Individual Accolades Shine a Light on Argentina’s Triumph
Argentina’s triumph wasn’t solely built on collective strength. Individual brilliance played a significant role, with Lautaro Martinez and Emiliano Martinez taking home prestigious individual awards.
Martinez, the spearhead of Argentina’s attack, bagged the coveted “Golden Boot” after netting a remarkable five goals throughout the tournament. His clinical finishing and attacking prowess proved pivotal in Argentina’s journey to the title.
Meanwhile, Emiliano Martinez, Argentina’s dependable goalkeeper, secured the “Golden Glove” award for keeping a clean sheet in five matches. His agility and world-class saves were instrumental in shutting down Colombia’s attacks and preserving Argentina’s clean sheets.
While Colombia fell short of ultimate glory, their captain, James Rodriguez, didn’t leave empty-handed. Rodriguez’s exceptional vision and playmaking skills were on full display throughout the tournament. He orchestrated Colombia’s attacking manoeuvres, registering a record-breaking six assists – the highest number by a single player in a single edition of the Copa America.
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