Lionel Messi fails to inspire Argentina against Colombia in Cope America defeat

Lionel Messi failed to inspire Argentina’s La Albiceleste against Colombia’s Tricolors on Friday, June 15, in their opening game of the ongoing Copa America in Brazil.

The encounter saw La Albiceleste suffer a 2-0 defeat Roger Martinez's 71st-minute stunner and Duvan Zapata's late sealer at the Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil.

Messi’s Argentina were hopeful of claiming their first major international title since 1993, finishing twice as runner-up in 2015 and 2016 editions, but the Colombians had other plans.

La Albiceleste started the contest brightly, asking questions in their opponent’s box, but could not find their way past The Tricolor’s defence line.

In the 14th minute, Colombia had a decent opportunity to break the deadlock after Luis Muriel linked up with Radamel Falcao, but his shot missed target by whiskers as Colombia showed their intent to strike first.

At the other end, Messi struggled to find his way and overall it was a poor play by both teams in the first half, which failed to produce a single shot on target.

In the second half, the early exchanges were very poor, until Colombia shot-stopper David Ospina showed class to stop Leandro Paredes volley from finding back of his net in the 60th minute.

And moments later, a free-for-all fight almost broke out after Juan Cuadrado's tackle on Messi, with other Argentina players threatening the Colombia winger.

Argentina came close to taking the lead after play resumed, with Nicolas Otamendi's powerful header forcing Ospina to make a diving save, but Messi failed to nod head home the rebound with the goalkeeper missing in action.

However, with 19 minutes of play left on the clock, The Tricolor finally broke the deadlock.

Martinez received a cross-field pass on the flank from James Rodriguez took some steps inside Argentina half before striking past La Albiceleste shot-stopper Armani from distance.

Another substitute Zapata netted the second for Colombia from close-range finish to ensure Messi and teammates suffered a 2-0 defeat after 90 minutes.

PAY ATTENTION: Install Pitch Football app for FREE to easily access stats, news and live updates

Meanwhile, Argentina will be hoping to silence doubters against Paraguay on Thursday, June 20, in their second group game.

On the other hand, Colombia will square up against Asian champion and 2022 FIFA World Cup host Qatar, one of the two guest countries alongside Japan participating at Copa America 2019.

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been dropped from the perking order in the most valuable XI in European football team.

In a list made by CIES Football Observatory selected the players according to their market value, the five-time Ballon d'Or winners were topped by other top stars.

These players include PSG's Kylian Mbappe (€252m), Mohamed Salah (€220m) and Raheem Sterling (€200m). Read more: http://bit.ly/31vI45f

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

Can Nigeria win AFCON 2019 with the current crop of players?| Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

from Latest News in Nigeria & Breaking Naija News 24/7 | LEGIT.NG http://bit.ly/2IkaDuW
via EDUPEDIA24/7

Dust haze weather to prevail on Thursday, December 27

- The Nigerian Meteorological agency (NiMet) predicts thick dust haze weather conditions over most parts of the country - NiMet predicts northern states would experience dust haze - The agency also predicts early morning mist/fog is expected over the coastal cities The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thick dust haze weather conditions with reduced visibility over most parts of the country on Thursday, December 27. NiMet’s Weather Outlook on Wednesday, December 26, in Abuja, revealed that the central region of the country would record dust haze condition with visibility range of two to five kilometres throughout the day. It added that day and night temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius to 34 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius, respectively, would prevail over the region. READ ALSO: Police reportedly arrest Badeh’s alleged killers The agency predicted that the northern states would experience dust haze with visibility range of two to fi...

N2.5bn Fraud: You Have Case To Answer, Appeal Court Tells Suspended NBC Boss, Kawu

The Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Ishaq Kawu. The Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja, has dismissed an appeal filed by the suspended Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Dr Moddibbo Kawu, challenging the decision of the Federal High Court, to dismiss the no-case submission he filed at the lower court. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had charged Kawu, Lucky Omoluwa (late Chairman of Pinnacle Communications Ltd) and Dipo Onifade, Chief Operating Officer of the same company, before Justice Folashade Ogunbanjo-Giwa, on a 12-count charge of money laundering. Is'haq Modibbo Kaw THISDAYLIVE The suspended NBC boss and his co-accused then approached the appellate court to reverse the judgment of the Federal High Court. The appellate dismissed the no-case submission filed by Kawu and his co-accused and held that they had an explanation to give when he elected to facilitate the payment of ...

Buhari’s Legacy Of Recessions By Fredrick Nwabufo

Fredrick Nwabufo ‘Why always Buhari?’ As it was in 1984 under General Buhari, so it is in 2016 and 2020 under President Buhari? Is it by the unfortunate hands of kismet that recession hits Nigeria every time Buhari takes charge of the country’s affairs? If the recession of the 80s under Buhari was a conspiracy by economic and political factors, to what do we attribute that of his first coming as a civilian President — and now in his second coming? Why does pestilence scourge the land, hunger ravage the population and lives lost malevolently when Buhari presides over the country? Why always Buhari? Buhari’s undoing is his wonted predilection for hierarchising ethnicity, religion and loyalty above competence. Since 1999, no President has obtrusively shown a more nepotistic aspect than Buhari. It is unarguable that the President arrays the most competence-challenged cabinet ever in the chronicle of governance in Nigeria. Yes, a recession cabinet. Fredrick Nwabufo Here is a cabin...

EDUPEDIA247

Search This Blog