Fourteen goals in the Copa America's first round of group stage matches were sort of a disappointment for fans.
Well, never mind that since the first round is in the past. Brazil, Argentina, and team USA combined for a total 16 goals scored, beating the whole field in the first round. In total, we had 30 goals scored in the second round of group stage matches.
Hopefully, the goals will keep raining, and we will get to watch more and more shows like we’ve seen this week.
Top of the world:
Argentina
With Messi back into the fold, it was a given La Albiceleste would take down Panama. But even the most pessimistic Panama fan could not have predicted how they would lose the game.
Sure, Argentina played most of the match with a one-man advantage, but the game as a whole can be best described by one quote from Panama’s manager Hernan Dario Gomez.
"When Messi got up, I asked the fourth referee, 'How much time left,'" the Panama manager said. "'Thirty minutes,' and we were already spent. Messi is a monster."
Messi was subbed in at the 61-minute mark. Seven minutes later he had already scored his first, then 10 more minutes and he scored the second, and then his third.
Not many people can claim they scored a hat-trick coming off the bench in a Copa America, but when you’re a “monster” that’s nothing more than another day at the office, right?
Argentina clinched their spot in the knockout round with this demolition job and need a simple draw with Bolivia to guarantee a first place finish in Group D.
Mexico/Venezuela
These two squads were supposed to fight for a second place in group C while Luis Suarez and Uruguay cruised to a first place finish.
Look at them now.
Both Mexico and Venezuela took down La Celeste and guaranteed a spot in the knockout round. Mexico did it in a more convincing manner, but Venezuela deserves some praise too, for they could’ve scored more times on Uruguay if not for a barrage of wasted opportunities.
The pair also tallied victories over Jamaica and next will fight it out for the number one spot in the last game of group stage.
Improved:
USA
Sure, a Costa Rica without Keylor Navas is not as nearly as reliable defensively as they would be with the Real Madrid goalkeeper. Nevertheless, any time you can tally a 4-0 victory over a CONCACAF rival it’s a good feeling.
Team USA seemed to be an entirely different team from the apathetic squad that Colombia dominated in the opening match.
Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, and the USA midfield were effective throughout the game despite having the possession only 41 percent of the time.
They'll face Ecuador in the quarterfinals Thursday.
Gone Fishing:
Uruguay
These two videos summarize Uruguay’s participation in the Copa America Centenario:
Luis Suarez really enjoying himself on the bench last night as Uruguay crashed out of #CopaAmerica https://t.co/pVe9tgOO5V
— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) June 10, 2016
In case you didn't see it, here's Cavani's miss again... https://t.co/vCfBMc1Vup
— UNILAD Football (@UNILADFooty) June 10, 2016
Also gone fishing:
Haiti, Jamaica.
