Argentina won a record 16th Copa America on Sunday night when they beat Colombia, Lautaro Martinez scoring the only goal of the game in extra-time.
The match was delayed for over an hour as hordes of fans tried to enter the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami without a ticket. When the action did get underway it was a tight affair fought out by players with bucket loads of flair combined with a steely determination to win.
Argentina and Colombia traded blow for blow until a moment of real quality, in the second half of extra time, handed the crown to the Argentines. Giovanni Lo Celso threaded an inch perfect ball through to Inter Milan star Martinez and he lifted his shot over Colombian stopper Camilo Vargas… and the roof came off the stadium.
This triumph makes it back-to-back Copa America wins for La Albiceleste and the legendary Lionel Messi has won all the riches he craved, with a 2022 World Cup winners medal to add to his array of domestic honours and a record eight Ballon d’Ors. But Colombia had a big part to play too; Los Cafeteros have dazzled in this tournament and came into the game on the back of a 28 match unbeaten streak.
So it is fitting that Argentina and Colombia have picked up the four awards handed out at the end of the tournament, to add to their winners and runners up medals.
Player of the Tournament: James Rodriguez – Colombia
At 33 years of age Colombia talisman Rodriguez showed he still has what it takes to live with the very best and he was rarely out of the Copa America 2024 highlights, as he racked up six assists, breaking Messi’s record of five in the competition and that won him the Golden Ball. Rodriguez has represented Los Cafeteros with distinction over 13 years, scoring 28 goals in 106 appearances and, as a winger or attacking midfielder he has been Colombia’s creative muscle throughout his tenure as captain.
His technical prowess, vision and eye for a killer pass made Rodriguez as important as ever in Colombia’s brave campaign, and they came very close to toppling the champions.
Golden Boot – Lautaro Martinez – Argentina
It was no surprise that Martinez won the Golden Boot after he roared ahead at the group stage and the Inter star added this prize to the Capocannoniere he has just picked up in I Nerazzurri’s Scudetto winning season. He scored 24 goals in Serie A and won the award by eight goals ahead of Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic as Inter roared to the title, and Martinez is now established as one of the very best strikers in world football. Though head coach Lionel Scaloni used him carefully, often starting him on the bench as he did in the final, Martinez does not need much time to make a devastating impact as he did to win the Copa.
With 29 goals in 64 games for Argentina the 26 year old is coming into his prime and his pace, dynamism and finishing skills will terrify defences for years to come.
Golden Glove- Emiliano Martinez – Argentina
The Copa America 2024 betting odds backed Argentina from the off and with the best player at either end of the pitch they certainly delivered. And it was Emiliano Martinez who picked up the goalies’ prize with five clean sheets from the six games. It’s his second Golden Glove at the Copa America and Martinez has become an iconic figure for the Albiceleste.
The Aston Villa man was Argentina’s hero at the 2022 World Cup where he played a huge part in the penalty shootout win over France. He also starred in Argentina’s shootout win over Ecuador in this competition and his superb shot stopping, command of his area and dominant personality gives his defence supreme confidence. As a last line of defence you could hardly ask for more.
Fair Play Award: Colombia
It may be scant consolation but Los Cafeteros picked up the fourth award at the Copa America, scooping the Fair Play trophy, deporting themselves with exemplary sportsmanship and picking up fewer yellow and red cards than any other nation, winning praise from officials and fans. But, as Nestor Lorenzo’s team discovered…the nice guys don’t always win.
So there you go folks; Argentina and Colombia have swept up the awards at the Copa America and, for this SBOTOP writer, who has just watched England fall short at the Euro 2024 final, this was a pleasant diversion!
Spain are Kings of Europe, Argentina have conquered America and, as World Champions too, Scaloni’s men are the top dogs.
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