Photos by Brando Bleek and Casey Woodrum Captions by Toby Dunkelberg
With their respective fates in Group D already decided, Tuesday nights matchup between Argentina and Bolivia ultimately had no effect on the rest of the tournament. Instead it was an almost exhibition like atmosphere as Argentina controlled the game right from the first kick
Any pretenses of this being a competitive game were erased int he 13th minute. After dominating possession Argentina put their first tally on the scoreboard when Erik Lamela’s free kick deflected perfectly off the wall to the left, catching the keeper going the wrong way and powerless to stop it.
Argentina was quick to add a second just two minutes later. This time it was a textbook team goal. Sergio Aguero found Facundo Roncaglia open on the right. He crossed it to Higuaín who’s shot forced Bolivia’s goalkeeper into a parry that fell right to Lavezzi, who slotted it home.
The half continued with Argentina dominating all aspects of the game. They added an insurance goal in the 32nd minute. After circulating the ball throughout the box, Lavezzi controlled the ball down and half shot half passed it to Victor Cuesta who redirected it in for what would be the final goal of the night.
Throughout the first half the crowd spontaneously erupted into chants of “MESSI! MESSI!” Their cries were answered at the start of the second half when Gerardo Martino elected to put on his attacking maestro.
With the addition of Messi, Argentina’s attack became even more dangerous and Bolivia retreated into even more of a defensive shell than it already was. It quickly became the Messi show as the crowd held their breath every time he touched the ball.
The 45,000 fans in attendance got a treat late in the second half when Messi, after being called offsides, continued to play and with some fancy dribbling nutmugged the goalie on the touchline.
Just a little bit later Jhasmany Campos came in strong on a challenge against Messi and earned a yellow for a shove in the ensuing altercation.
With trick plays and flared tempers done the match finished quietly with Argentina maintaining possession and Bolivia happy not to conceded another goal.
Argentina moves on to a quarterfinal matchup with Venezuela on June 18th in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Meanwhile Bolivia, now officially eliminated from the Copa America Centario travels back to their home to try again.
