The final historical showdown could only match two such even sides fighting for a trophy. Chile won this final last year against Argentina, so this was a memorable final match-up for the second year in a row. It was thought that Argentina would win this year's trophy due to their previous games in this competition. In the group stage, Argentina played against Chile and won two to one, with Di Maria scoring his first goal in the completion, as well as the iconic midfielder Éver Banega and Fuenzalida scoring for Chile in the 93rd minute to end the game.
Argentina then faced a struggling Panama side. This defining game made commentators realize the importance of Messi on a national team side. He scored a hat trick in the 68th, 78th and 87th minutes to secure his team a place in the knockout stage. Also adding to this scoreline were Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi, both key players at their club, Manchester City. Lionel Messi's passing accuracy within this game also proved to be too much for Panama, with an 89 percent passing accuracy.
Argentina then played Bolivia, and they showed how this team could win without Lionel Messi. Ezquiel Laviezzi scored Man of the Match and proved to be their pacey attacker on the left wing. Victor Cuesta and Erik Lamela also scored in this game; so much of the team felt strong going into the Quarter finals against Venezuela, whom they beat four to one with goals from Higuain, Messi and Lamela to score the team into the semi finals, even with Salomon Rondons goal to make the scoreline slightly less distant.
Argentina continued to be the powerhouse into their game against the United States, (who unfortunately lost... maybe next year). The powerhouse team passed and shot efficiently, and the U.S. was no match for this South American team. Again, the top goal scorers were Messi, Higuain and Laviezzi, who played a spectacular game against our home country. I have to give credit to Lionel Messi and his beautiful free kick against Brad Guzan in the 32nd minute, which was shot with real finesse.
However, in the finale at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Chile and Argentina were even sides for the 120 minute game. Both teams accumulated their fair share of yellow and red cards, making the game play a lot differently than expected.
The game was nervey throughout this whole time because of the fact that both teams had such great chances, but both Romero (Argentina Goalie) and Bravo (Chile Goalie) made key saves to block efforts. When the game went to penalties, it was surprising that Lionel Messi, who surely could have gotten Man of the Match if he made the key penalty kick, actually missed. The amount of emotions and feelings going through Messi must have surely resulted in him missing the kick (even the world's greatest feel the pressure). Chile ended up winning with key saves from Bravo during the penalty kicks and key misses from Argentina players.
