Argentina got their first win at the 2020 Copa America on Friday, beating rival Uruguay thanks to a first-half goal from Guido Rodriguez. The victory puts Argentina into first place in Group B and on the verge of a spot in the quarterfinals, while Uruguay are without a win in their past three games in all competitions.
The first half was all Argentina as Lionel Scaloni's side put every one of their five shots on frame, while Uruguay failed to test Emiliano Martinez even just once in a trend that continued throughout the 90 minutes.
Throughout the night, in what was a surprise, there was a positive style and a creativity to Argentina that had been absent for a while, but Lionel Messi made sure to get on the ball more often to generate things in attack. All he needed was just 13 minutes, putting a lovely ball from the wing to the back post to set up Rodriguez, who headed home the opener, and what turned out to be the winner.
Looking to avoid blowing a lead for what would have been a fourth straight game, the Argentina defense remained sharp in the second as the attack went for the goal to put the game away. But Uruguay, keeping a deep line and defending well, didn't give Argentina much of anything.
Argentina gave Uruguay nothing, holding them to no shots on goal and earning a ton of momentum in the process.
Next up, Uruguay face Chile on Monday at 5 p.m. ET, while Argentina take on Paraguay on the same day, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET.
Decent look there for Uruguay as a high ball from the wing falls right to Luis Suarez in the box, but his attempt at a spectacular volley sees the ball end up in row z.
20 minutes to go in this one and the frustration grows for Uruguay. Di Maria looks lively off the bench, winning a set piece that is essentially a corner kick.
A slow start to the second half despite both teams getting up the field with possession and space. Uruguay have come out with a bit more intensity, looking to also play with some patience. Argentina continues to pressure...
Halftime! It's Argentina 1, Uruguay 0. Early goal from Guido Rodriguez puts the Argentines in a great spot entering the second half. Not all that threatening from Uruguay. Slow and lacking ideas in attack.
A curious stat as we enter the 45th minute ... Argentina has five shots, and all of them have been on goal.
Uruguay have zero shots, and none have been on frame.
The match is getting a quite bit more physical in the final moments of the first half, which is slowing down the pace.
Cavani goes down in the box after a challenge on Guido Rodriguez, but it doesn't seem like enough. VAR looking at it. On the other end, Molina is played through by Messi and fires a rocket on frame that Muslera does well with.
It's Guido Rodriguez! Messi with a great ball to the back post, and the Betis midfielder heads home off the post! Flying start for Argentina!
GOAL ARGENTINA!!!! 1-0!!!!
7' Great shot from Messi to the far post that Muslera saves well, and Lautaro misses the rebound. A positive start from Argentina.
4' First chance of the match comes from Acuna of Argentina, trying his lock from outside the box, but Muslera saves it with little trouble.
Underway!!!!!
Kickoff is just moments away.
A surprise for Argentina with Udinese defender Nahuel Molina getting a start. Meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez starts once again despite a poor run of form. Messi, as usual, captains the side.
On the other side, as I discussed in our preview, Oscar Tabarez tries to get his attack going back starting both Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. Talk task for this Argentina defense, though they are boosted by the return of Cristian Romero.
Welcome to the CBS Sports live blog of the Copa America! It's Argentina vs. Uruguay live from Brazil! Group B action here with Argentina drawing their opener to Chile, 1-1. Meanwhile, Uruguay make their first appearance in the competition after being idle on Matchday 1.
