Messi Won't Play Against Peru; Superstar Substitute Expected in Starting Eleven - SportsNight

Texas : Lionel Messi will not be playing in Argentina's final group match against Peru in the Copa America football tournament. Messi experienced muscle strain in the previous match and wishes to rest for this game. The Argentine Football Association has confirmed that Messi’s injury will be evaluated by the team management. Despite Messi's absence, the team has shown they can secure victories. Peru boasts strong players, making the match highly significant. Reports suggest that in Messi’s absence, Ángel Di María might play in the starting eleven for Argentina.


In the last match against Chile, Ángel Di María was substituted in the 73rd minute. After defeating teams like Canada and Chile, Argentina has secured a spot in the Copa America quarter-finals. However, the reigning champions aim to win the final group match to become group champions.



Vinícius' Goal, Neymar's Excitement; Video Goes Viral

Nevada : Brazil made a remarkable comeback in the Copa America with an impressive victory, defeating Paraguay 4-1. Vinícius Júnior scored a double in the match. However, it’s Neymar’s celebration of Vinícius’ first goal that is trending on social media.


Vinícius scored his first goal in the 35th minute, advancing with Paquetá’s pass and netting the ball for the yellow team. Neymar, present in the gallery, celebrated the goal enthusiastically. Following this, in the 43rd minute, a shot from Rodrigo was blocked by the Paraguayan goalkeeper, but Savio netted the rebound. In injury time of the first half, Vinícius Júnior scored again, leading Brazil to a three-goal advantage by halftime. Paraguay initially scored in the second half through a powerful left-footed shot by Omar Alderete. However, Brazil gradually recovered. In the 65th minute, Lucas Paquetá converted a penalty opportunity, making the score 4-1 in favor of Brazil. After a draw against Costa Rica in their first match, Brazil made a strong comeback in the Copa America.



Euro Pre-Quarterfinals Begin Today; Germany Faces Denmark

Berlin : The Euro Cup pre-quarterfinals begin today with hosts Germany taking on Denmark in the first match. Both teams have the distinction of not losing a single game in the group stage. Germany topped Group A by defeating Scotland and Hungary and drawing with Switzerland. Meanwhile, Denmark qualified from Group C by drawing all their matches against Slovenia, England, and Serbia. In the previous Euro Cup in 2020, Germany was knocked out in the pre-quarterfinals by England. Since winning the 2014 World Cup, Germany has not won any major titles. Despite having a strong squad, Germany hasn’t won a knockout game in any major tournaments since Euro 2016. On the other hand, Denmark was a semifinalist in the last Euro, losing 2-1 to England.


Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah will miss the match, and Antonio Rüdiger’s injury poses a challenge for Germany. In the Denmark squad, midfielder Morten Hjulmand is out due to two yellow cards and will miss the pre-quarterfinal match.



Yellow Team Celebrates Return; Copa Filled with Goals

Nevada : Brazil leads Paraguay 3-0 by halftime in the Copa America football tournament. Vinícius Júnior scored twice, and Savio scored once for the yellow team. The disappointment of missing a crucial penalty opportunity was quickly overcome by Brazil’s dominance in the first half. Paraguay resorted to defense as Brazil launched attacks from the start. In the 30th minute, Brazil's attack was blocked by Andrés Cubas' hand, resulting in a penalty. However, Lucas Paquetá’s shot went wide of the right post. Brazil quickly overcame the disappointment of the missed penalty. In the 35th minute, Vinícius advanced with Paquetá’s pass and netted the ball. In the 43rd minute, a shot from Rodrigo was blocked by the Paraguayan goalkeeper, but Savio netted the rebound. In injury time of the first half, Vinícius Júnior scored again, leading Brazil to a three-goal advantage by halftime.


In the second half, Paraguay launched an unexpected attack. In the 53rd minute, Omar Alderete’s powerful left-footed shot brought one goal back. However, Brazil gradually recovered. In the 65th minute, Lucas Paquetá converted a penalty opportunity, making the score 4-1 in favor of Brazil. In the 82nd minute, Andrés Cubas received a yellow card for attempting to tackle Douglas Luiz. The frequent clashes between players from both teams during the match brought embarrassment to the sporting world. Nonetheless, Brazil managed to make a strong comeback in the Copa America after a draw against Costa Rica in their first match.



Argentina Coach Scaloni Suspended and Fined; Will Miss Match Against Peru

Munich : The Argentine team, preparing for their third Copa America 2024 match against Peru without superstar Messi, has faced a setback. Coach Lionel Scaloni has been suspended. The suspension is due to the team's delayed entry onto the field in the second half of previous matches. Scaloni has been banned for one match, meaning he will miss the group stage's final match against Peru. Assistant coach Pablo Aimar will take over in his absence. In addition to the suspension, a fine of $15,000 has been imposed on the Argentine coach. Scaloni will be allowed to enter the stadium but will not be able to access the locker room or communicate with the players during the match. Additionally, he will not be able to participate in the pre-match press conference. Similar sanctions have been imposed on Chile’s head coach Ricardo Gareca for the same reasons.


Argentina won its first two matches in the Copa America, defeating Canada 2-0 and Chile 1-0. However, reports suggest that due to health issues, superstar Lionel Messi will not play against Peru. After playing against Chile, Messi mentioned experiencing mild fever and sore throat. Additionally, he sustained an injury during the match against Chile.



Victory Essential; Can Vinícius-Rodrigo-Endrick Combo Break Paraguay’s Defense?

Las Vegas : Brazil is gearing up for their crucial second match in the Copa America tomorrow. At 6:30 AM IST, they will face Paraguay in their second group match. After a goalless draw against weak Costa Rica in their first game, Brazil must win tomorrow’s match. On the other hand, Paraguay also needs a victory to advance to the next round. In their first match, Paraguay lost 2-1 to Colombia. Paraguay will employ the same strategy against Brazil that worked against Costa Rica: preventing their opponents from scoring even if they fail to score themselves. However, if Brazil’s formidable lineup finds its rhythm, they can easily overcome Paraguay. Vinícius Júnior, Rodrigo, and wonder kid Endrick did not find their rhythm in the first match.


Brazil squandered numerous opportunities against Costa Rica. The biggest challenge is that Vinícius Júnior, who won La Liga and Champions League titles with Real Madrid last season, has yet to replicate his club football form for his national team. The absence of Neymar due to injury also casts a shadow over the team. Meanwhile, in another group match, Colombia will face Costa Rica at 3:30 AM IST tomorrow. With one win and three points, Costa Rica tops the group points table.

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