Football News: Messi, Rondon Shine in Thrilling Copa America
The 2023 Copa America, South America’s premier football tournament, has been captivating audiences worldwide. With the tournament now reaching the quarter-final stage, several standout performances have emerged, including those of Lionel Messi and Salomon Rondon.
Messi-mania Takes Over the United States
Messi-mania has taken over the United States, where the Copa America is being held this year. Fans have flocked to stadiums to catch a glimpse of the Argentina captain, who is bidding to win his third consecutive international trophy with the Albiceleste. Despite not finding the net yet, Messi has dazzled spectators with his usual brilliance, highlighted by a superb assist for Lautaro Martinez in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada.
Salomon Rondon’s Surprise Package
Salomon Rondon, on the other hand, has been the surprise package of the tournament so far. The 34-year-old Venezuelan striker, who has played for the likes of Everton, Newcastle, and West Brom in the Premier League, has been in inspired form. Rondon’s two goals in the group stage helped Venezuela secure top spot in Group B, and he was named in the best XI of matchday three. His efforts have seen Venezuela advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Canada on Friday.
Other Copa America Highlights
In other Copa America news, nine-time winners Brazil have progressed to the last eight, but it hasn’t been plain sailing for the Selecao. After an opening goalless draw against Costa Rica, Brazil found their shooting boots in the 4-1 win over Paraguay, with Vinicius Junior scoring twice. However, a 1-1 draw with eventual group winners Colombia saw Brazil stutter to the quarter-finals, where they will face Darwin Nunez’s Uruguay.
The United States, the host nation, has crashed out of the tournament at the group stage after two defeats on the bounce. A win over Bolivia set the USA on their way, but they were immediately stopped in their tracks by a resurgent Panama and group favorites Uruguay. Christian Pulisic was left raging at a host of refereeing decisions in the defeat to Uruguay.
The quarter-final lineup is as follows:
- Argentina v Ecuador
- Venezuela v Canada
- Colombia v Panama
- Uruguay v Brazil
The Copa America final is set to take place on July 14, and football fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the climax of this thrilling tournament.
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