Martinez Strikes Twice to Clinch Victory: Argentina Secures Dominant 2-0 Win Over Peru, Seals Pole Position

Argentina triumphed again in Group A as Lautaro Martinez netted twice, securing their lead on the leaderboard.

Despite Lionel Messi sitting out with an injury, Martinez proved pivotal, striking early and late in the second half, dispelling any tension from a sluggish start at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

A penalty miss by Leandro Paredes turned out inconsequential, with Peru posing little threat in a pivotal clash.

Next, Argentina will contend against Group B’s runner-up in the quarter-final. Meanwhile, Canada claims the second position following a stalemate with Chile, ushering Peru’s premature departure.

With their quarter-final berth clinched, Argentina’s kickoff was lackluster. Alejandro Garnacho’s deflected attempt was their sole opportunity in the initial 25 minutes.

The keeper then made a critical save, fending off Paredes’ fierce free-kick, aimed at the top-left corner.

As half-time neared, Giovani Lo Celso got a chance at the penalty spot, but Gallese blocked his shot, and Garnacho’s follow-up soared over the crossbar.

A motivating half-time pep talk preceded Angel Di Maria slicing through Peru’s defense to set up Martinez, who delicately lofted the ball into the net just two minutes into the second half.

Nicolas Tagliafico’s initial celebration for a goal was short-lived as it was dismissed because Lo Celso was offside, obscuring the goalkeeper’s view.

Later, Argentina sought to double their lead, but Paredes’ penalty thwacked the post after Jesus Castillo’s handball incident.

Martinez replicated his earlier brilliance in the 86th minute, eluding capture and charmingly chipping the ball past Gallese.

Fran exam, Franco Zanelatto’s late header narrowly missed, adding to Peru’s frustrations.

Martinez’s Stellar Performance

Already in the quarter-finals, Argentina didn’t seem at peak without Messi and the sidelined coach, Lionel Scaloni. Martinez, however, has risen splendidly, scoring in every group match, his four goals putting him at the forefront for the Golden Boot.

Each of his first two goals came as a substitute, including a dramatic game-winner against Chile. Given his tournament debut start, he didn’t disappoint, striking promptly after half-time.

It is rare this century for Argentina to win all their group matches—previous instances were in 2007 and 2016, which ended in runner-up finishes. Scaloni’s squad is hopeful to go further this time.

Peru’s Disheartening Exit

This Copa America has been dismal for Peru, eliminated early with just one point—their worst exit since 1995.

Hopes of snagging the second spot hinged on a needed victory and a favorable result from the Canada-Chile match.

However, their scant six shot-effort in this game, yielding an expected goal value of just 0.14, exemplified their struggle throughout the tournament, with a total of 22 shots failing to produce a goal.

Challenging the holders was always a tall order, especially with Peru’s leading trio failing to fire a single shot.