2021 Copa América Final: Key Stats And Highlights

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

The 2021 Copa América final was a thrilling encounter between Argentina and Brazil, two of South America's footballing giants. Held at the iconic Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, the match was a spectacle watched by millions around the globe. Let's dive into the key stats and highlights that defined this memorable clash.

Match Summary

The final took place on July 10, 2021, and it was a game filled with tension, tactical nuances, and moments of brilliance. Argentina emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, securing their first major title since 1993. The only goal of the match was scored by Ángel Di María in the 22nd minute, a goal that would ultimately decide the fate of the tournament.

Key Statistics

Understanding the key statistics provides a deeper insight into how the game unfolded and why Argentina was able to edge out Brazil.

  • Possession: While Brazil dominated possession with 59%, Argentina made the most of their time on the ball, creating more clear-cut chances. Possession, in this case, didn't translate to goals, highlighting Argentina's efficient approach.
  • Shots: Brazil had more shots overall, registering 13 attempts compared to Argentina's 6. However, only two of Brazil's shots were on target, whereas Argentina managed to get three of their shots on target. This indicates Argentina’s superior accuracy and clinical finishing.
  • Passes: Brazil completed significantly more passes, with 503 passes compared to Argentina's 323. This reflects Brazil's strategy of maintaining control and building attacks through intricate passing sequences. However, Argentina’s fewer passes were more incisive and purposeful.
  • Fouls: The match was physical, with a total of 41 fouls committed. Argentina committed 22 fouls, while Brazil committed 19. This high number of fouls disrupted the flow of the game and contributed to the tense atmosphere.
  • Yellow Cards: Six yellow cards were issued during the match. Argentina received three yellow cards, and Brazil also received three. This underscores the intensity and competitiveness of the final.
  • Corners: Brazil earned 6 corner kicks, while Argentina had only 1. Despite having more opportunities from corners, Brazil failed to convert any into goals, showcasing Argentina's solid defense.

Individual Performances

Several players delivered outstanding performances that significantly impacted the outcome of the final. Let's spotlight a few key individuals:

  • Ángel Di María: Scored the decisive goal with a beautiful lob over Ederson. His pace, dribbling skills, and composure in front of goal were crucial for Argentina.
  • Lionel Messi: Although he didn't score, Messi's influence on the game was undeniable. He created several opportunities, drew fouls, and kept the Brazilian defense on their toes throughout the match. He finally clinched a major international trophy with his national team.
  • Neymar: Despite his best efforts, Neymar was unable to break through Argentina's defense. He was heavily marked and often found himself surrounded by multiple defenders. His creativity and dribbling skills were evident, but he couldn't find the back of the net.
  • Rodrigo De Paul: A tireless performance in midfield, De Paul was instrumental in breaking up Brazilian attacks and initiating Argentina's counter-attacks. His energy and tenacity were vital for Argentina's success.

Tactical Analysis

The tactical strategies employed by both teams played a significant role in shaping the game. Argentina adopted a more pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. They effectively neutralized Brazil's attacking threats and capitalized on their opportunities.

Brazil, on the other hand, aimed to control the game through possession and intricate passing patterns. However, they struggled to penetrate Argentina's well-organized defense and lacked the cutting edge in the final third.

Memorable Moments

The 2021 Copa América final was filled with memorable moments that will be etched in the memories of football fans for years to come.

  • Di María's Goal: The moment when Di María expertly chipped the ball over Ederson to give Argentina the lead was a moment of pure brilliance.
  • Messi's Triumph: Seeing Lionel Messi finally win a major international trophy with Argentina was a heartwarming moment for fans worldwide. His emotional celebration after the final whistle was a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
  • Defensive Resilience: Argentina's defensive performance throughout the match was exceptional. They were organized, disciplined, and resilient, denying Brazil's attacking players space and time on the ball.

Detailed Statistical Breakdown

For those who crave a more granular view, let’s break down the stats further:

Overall Match Stats

  • Goals: Argentina 1, Brazil 0
  • Possession: Argentina 41%, Brazil 59%
  • Total Shots: Argentina 6, Brazil 13
  • Shots on Target: Argentina 3, Brazil 2
  • Passes Completed: Argentina 323, Brazil 503
  • Pass Accuracy: Argentina 78%, Brazil 89%
  • Fouls Committed: Argentina 22, Brazil 19
  • Yellow Cards: Argentina 3, Brazil 3
  • Corner Kicks: Argentina 1, Brazil 6
  • Offsides: Argentina 1, Brazil 2

Attacking Stats

  • Crosses: Argentina 10, Brazil 24
  • Cross Accuracy: Argentina 20%, Brazil 21%
  • Dribbles: Argentina 11, Brazil 16
  • Dribble Success Rate: Argentina 64%, Brazil 69%

Defensive Stats

  • Tackles: Argentina 21, Brazil 16
  • Tackle Success Rate: Argentina 67%, Brazil 75%
  • Interceptions: Argentina 12, Brazil 7
  • Clearances: Argentina 26, Brazil 10

Player-Specific Stats

Diving into individual player stats can reveal even more about their contributions. Here are some notable examples:

Argentina

  • Ángel Di María: 1 Goal, 2 Shots, 1 Shot on Target, 80% Pass Accuracy
  • Lionel Messi: 0 Goals, 1 Shot, 1 Shot on Target, 85% Pass Accuracy, 5 Fouls Drawn
  • Rodrigo De Paul: 0 Goals, 0 Shots, 75% Pass Accuracy, 7 Tackles

Brazil

  • Neymar: 0 Goals, 3 Shots, 0 Shots on Target, 88% Pass Accuracy, 6 Fouls Drawn
  • Richarlison: 0 Goals, 2 Shots, 1 Shot on Target, 82% Pass Accuracy
  • Casemiro: 0 Goals, 1 Shot, 0 Shots on Target, 92% Pass Accuracy, 4 Tackles

Impact and Legacy

The 2021 Copa América final was more than just a game; it was a historic moment for Argentine football. It marked the end of a long wait for a major title and solidified Lionel Messi's legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The victory sparked celebrations across Argentina and served as a testament to the team's hard work and determination.

For Brazil, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite their dominance in possession and overall shots, they failed to convert their chances and were ultimately undone by Argentina's tactical discipline and clinical finishing. The loss highlighted the need for Brazil to find more creative solutions in the final third and improve their efficiency in front of goal.

The final will be remembered for its intensity, tactical nuances, and the emotional scenes that followed Argentina's victory. It was a fitting end to a captivating tournament and a reminder of the passion and drama that make South American football so special. Guys, it was truly a match for the ages!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2021 Copa América final was a captivating match filled with drama, tactical intrigue, and memorable moments. Argentina's 1-0 victory over Brazil was a testament to their defensive resilience, clinical finishing, and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi. The statistics paint a detailed picture of the game, highlighting the key factors that contributed to Argentina's triumph and Brazil's disappointment. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just a casual observer, the 2021 Copa América final will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the great matches in South American football history. This match underscored the importance of not just dominating possession, but also converting opportunities and maintaining defensive solidity. The legacy of this final will continue to inspire and captivate football enthusiasts for years to come. And who knows, maybe we'll see another classic encounter between these two giants in the near future! Stay tuned, football fans!