FULL-TIME, Brazil 2-0 Argentina: What a game. What a fight from both teams, but Brazil were more organized and efficient when it counted most. Great performance and a deserved victory. Argentina will now play for third place, and that may very well be Messi’s last game for his country.
GOAL! Brazil 2-0 Argentina (Firmino 71’): IT’S TWO FOR BRAZIL! Gabriel Jesus makes a spectacular solo run on the counter, sits Otamendi and Foyth and gives Firmino a tap-in.
SECOND HALF KICKOFF! Brazil 1-0 Argentina: Here we go! If Argentina find an equalizer in the second half, we’ll go to extra time. They really need Messi in these 45 minutes.
HALFTIME. Brazil 1-0 Argentina: The Albiceleste were the better team after the opening goal and put a lot of pressure on the Brazilian defense, but so far the Seleção has been solid at the back. It’s a great game after 45 minutes.
GOAL! Brazil 1-0 Argentina (Jesus 19’): BRAZIL TAKE THE LEAD! Dani Alves finds Roberto Firmino who crosses it to Gabriel Jesus for the tap-in and the opener!
KICKOFF! Brazil 0-0 Argentina: The biggest rivalry in the world. A place in the Final on the line. Let’s do this.
LINEUPS
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BRAZIL
Starting XI: Alisson; Alves, Marquinhos, Silva, Sandro; Arthur, Casemiro; Jesus, Coutinho, Everton; Firmino (4-2-3-1)
Bench: Cássio, Ederson, Miranda, Militão, Fágner, Luis, Fernandinho, Allan, Paquetá, Willian, Neres, Richarlison
ARGENTINA
Starting XI: Armani; Foyth, Pezzella, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Acuña; Messi, Lautaro, Agüero (4-3-3)
Bench: Marchesín, Musso, Funes Mori, Casco, Saravia, Pizarro, Rodriguez, Lo Celso, Pereyra, Di María, Dybala, Suárez
WELCOME TO THE MINEIRÃO!!! The Belo Horizonte Stadium is the home of the first semifinal in the 2019 Copa America, and this game is actually bigger than the Final itself. And it’s because of the biggest rivalry in international football: Brazil and Argentina clash in a tournament for the first time in 12 years, and this is going to be amazing. It’s also a chance for Barcelona fans to see Lionel Messi facing his biggest rival and also watch Philippe Coutinho and Arthur trying to send the hosts to the championship game. And with such a big game with so much on the line, this is the perfect chance to do a LIVE BLOG!
(Note: the comments will be open only when the team news come out, because our commenter people love commenting and sometimes there are too many comments in the comments section)
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2019 Copa América, Semifinal 1
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 2, 2019, 9.30pm local time, 2.30am CET (Barcelona, Wednesday), 1.30am BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria, Wednesday), 6am IST (India, Wednesday)
Venue: Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
Referee: Roddy Zambrano (ECU)
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM COPA AMÉRICA 2019
How to watch on TV: Telemundo (USA), TSN 3 (Canada), Premier Sports 1 (UK), Startimes World Football (Nigeria), others
How to stream: ESPN+, fuboTV (USA, affiliate links), TSN GO (Canada), Premier Player (UK), others
*Barca Blaugranes has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Barca Blaugranes may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.
Matchday Thread Rules
We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:
Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, no swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.
Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!