Copa America 2024 got underway Thursday evening with defending champions Argentina kicking off Group A against Canada. Fellow South American sides Chile and Peru round out the group, which will see two teams advance to the knockout round.
Here’s a look at the standings and results in Group A at Copa America 2024.
Group A Standings
Argentina, 3-0-0, 9 points, +5 GD
Canada, 1-1-1. 4 points, -1 GD
Chile, 0-2-1, 2 points, -1 GD
Peru, 0-1-2, 1 point, -1 GD
Group A Results
Argentina 2, Canada 0
This could’ve easily been a wider margin for Argentina, who actually were in a 0-0 deadlock with Canada after one half. Julian Alvarez got things started with the opening goal and Lautaro Martinez added a cherry on top in stoppage time. Lionel Messi missed two easy chances but the most important thing Thursday was winning the game. The defending champions are off to a strong start in Copa America 2024.
Peru 0, Chile 0
These two experienced South American sides played to a scoreless draw, each securing a point in Group A. Despite having most of the possession in this game, Chile only managed to put one of its 11 shots on target in a futile offensive effort. This was an extremely physical game with 37 combined fouls between the two teams, showcasing how soccer tends to played in these countries. This is a missed opportunity for both sides, who will now likely need to get a win against Canada to avoid going into a matchup with Argentina needing points.
Canada 1, Peru 0
Canada had the good fortune of playing against a Peru team that went down to 10 men in the second half, and that was enough to give Jesse Marsch’s boys the win. Jonathan David scored a relatively simple chance and Canada could’ve had more if not for some sloppy finishing. Canada now needs to get at least a point against Chile to secure qualification to the next round.
Argentina 1, Chile 0
Lionel Messi and company exacted a bit of Copa America revenge on their rivals, continuing their dominance of Chile since the infamous 2016 final. Lautaro Martinez got the late winner for the reigning Copa and World Cup holders, who have now advanced to the knockout stage.
Argentina 2, Peru 0
The defending Copa champions have cruised through the group stage without a single blemish. Lautaro Martinez continues to have a strong campaign, adding two more goals in a match Lionel Messi did not play in for Argentina. Peru needed a win and some help to have a shot at advancing, so this ends its Copa run.
Canada 0, Chile 0
Chile’s experience and superiority in talent wasn’t shown on the pitch when it mattered most in a 0-0 draw which saw the South American side go to 10 men after 27 minutes. Canada was able to see out the draw and secure the point it needed to advance to the knockout round. Holding possession was key here, as Chile simply didn’t have many opportunities after being down a man.