Lionel Messi was cool under pressure in the penalty shootout win over Colombia. (Getty)
Most expected another clash of iconic rivals Argentina and Brazil in the Copa America semifinals on Tuesday night. Both had to win penatly shootouts to advance, and only Argentina was able to.
It was groundhog day for Paraguay, which defeated Brazil on penalties in the quarterfinals for a second straight tournament. Though Brazil was missing several of its top players, Paraguay entered the match as underdogs and controlled the tempo the second half to earn a draw. In the shootout, Brazil missed two penalties and Paraguay advanced.
Argentina was pushed to the limit in the quarterfinal round against Colombia, despite this incredible double-save to keep the match scoreless. Frustrated by Colombia’s stubborn defense, Argentina couldn’t score and the match headed to penalties. Each side made its first three spot kicks before Sampdoria striker Luis Muriel sent one to the moon.
Carlos Tevez sent Argentina to the semifinals by converting his penalty, setting up the matchup with Brazil. The winner will meet Chile or Peru in the final on Saturday.
Argentina and Paraguay were in the same group during the first round, with Argentina blowing a two-goal lead late. Lucas Barrios rescued a 2-2 draw for Paraguay in the tournament opener for both teams. Argentina had won the previous three meetings and 58 of 104 all time.
Here’s what you need to know about that match:
The Basics
Who:
What:
Copa America semifinals
When:
Tuesday, June 30
Where:
Estadio Municipal Alcaldesa Ester Roa Rebolledo
Time:
8:30 p.m. local time, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Channel:
BEIN Sports (USA) Premier Sports (UK), (International viewers, click here for your local provider)
Odds:
Argentina 1/2, Paraguay 7/1, Draw 3/1
Stats You Need to Know
(Getty)
Scouting Argentina
Record: 2-0-2 (7 points, 1st Group B)
Coach: Gerardo Martino, 1st season
Goals For: 4
Goals Allowed: 2
Scouting Paraguay
Record: 1-0-3 (5 points, 2nd Group B)
Coach: Ramon Diaz, 1st season
Goals For: 5
Goals Allowed: 4
You can read about this game in Spanish at our sister site, AhoraMismo.com:
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Copa America Semifinals: Argentina vs. Paraguay Time, TV Channel, Odds