It was almost unbearably tense but Argentina produced their best performance of the Copa América to thoroughly outplay Colombia. Despite their dominance though, La Albiceleste still struggled to find the net and required penalties to progress to the semi-final. Sergio Romero and Carlos Tévez stole the headlines after the shootout but how did the players fare in the 90 minutes before this?

Sergio Romero – 7.5

A spectator for much of the match, Romero did what he had to do at crucial stages of the match. A save midway through the second half was virtually his only involvement in normal time but just as he did in Brazil, Chiquito made a vital contribution during the penalty shootout. Saving Juan Zúñiga’s penalty provided Marcos Rojo with the chance to win it and although he spurned the chance, Romero reminded everyone why he has remained Argentina’s number one.

Pablo Zabaleta – 7

Another solid performance from the Manchester City right-back as he snuffed out any rare attacks from Víctor Ibarbo down Colombia’s left and contributed to the attack when he could.

Ezequiel Garay – 7

The defence wasn’t given the most extensive workout but when called upon Garay did what was needed. Good in the air and kept Jackson Martínez and Falcao pretty ononymous, Garay’s shining moment was his unstoppable penalty in the shootout.

Nicolás Otamendi – 7

Much like Garay, Otamendi produced a typically powerful performance which nullified any stray Colombia attacks. The much sought after Valencia defender came close to scoring the match winner with a trademark header which was only kept out thanks to a superb fingertips save from David Ospina and the woodwork.

Marcos Rojo – 6

The Manchester United defender didn’t do a lot wrong defensively but continues to provide a slighly erratic attack down the left in tandem with the out of form Ángel Di María. Rojo had the chance to win the match after Romero had stopped Zúñiga’s penalty but smashed his effort off the top of the crossbar.

Lucas Biglia – 6.5

The Lazio midfielder gave a characteristically busy performance in central midfielder, neatly linking play and keeping possession. The 29-year-old is normally a very reliable penalty taker but put his effort wide wasting the first opportunity to win the match.

Javier Mascherano – 7.5

Another leaders performance from El Jefecito marshalling the midfield and initiating most attacks when dropping deep to pick up the ball. In the second half, Mascherano snuffed out a crucial counter when Argentina were stretched and helped inspire the troops to victory.

Javier Pastore – 7

Still unable to take full control of a match it would appear, Pastore shows just flashes of his talent among moments of anonymity. A good first half was punctuated with a superb moment of skill to fashion the chance that led to Ospina’s incredible double save but he drifted out of the game after the break and was replaced by Éver Banega with 15 minutes remaining.

Lionel Messi – 8

The captain was at the centre of everything that Argentina did and despite having his shirt almost ripped off his back every time he touched the ball he remained a constant threat to the Colombian defence. His first half header drew an incredible save from David Ospina but perhaps the four-time Ballon D’or winner should have given the goalkeeper no chance.

Sergio Agüero – 7

It was a difficult night for Agüero, playing for much of the game with his back to goal against two very physical central defenders. The Manchester City striker battled well and contributed to build-up play and perhaps on another day could have added to his tourament tally but on this occasion Ospina denied him and a difficult header flew just over the bar.

Ángel Di María – 5.5

Di María finds himself a little out of form at present and despite providing Argentina with pace and industry down the left, all too often the Manchester United man chose the wrong option or misplaced his pass. El Fideo was replaced late on by Ezequiel Lavezzi but in truth the change could have come earlier. After a disappointing season in Manchester, Di María still looks short of confidence and certainly a fraction of the player that dazzled for Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Substitutes

Carlos Tévez – 7.5

Martino’s first change with 20 minutes remaining saw Tévez replace Sergio Agüero and a good run in behind the Colombian defence came close to forcing the opening goal. However, it was in the shootout where the new Boca striker proved his worth. In 2011, he missed the crucial kick but on this occasion he slotted in the winner and stole the all the headlines.

Éver Banega – 7.5

The Sevilla midfielder was only given 15 minutes on the field but in that time nearly released Tévez with a super ball over the top of the Colombia defence and clipped the crossbar with a powerful shot of his own. Banega stood up to be counted and slotted in the third penalty in the shootout and is pushing Pastore hard for a starting position.

Ezequiel Lavezzi – 7

Lavezzi was only given minutes on the pitch but almost snatched a winner had it not been for Jeison Murillo on the goalline. The Paris St Germain forward successfully tucked away the fourth penalty.

Coach

Gerardo Martino – 7

Argentina’s best performance in the tournament meant that they were able to sustain their dominance over Colombia for 90 minutes, something they have failed to do in the previous three matches. The side attacked with purpose but still could not find the net and this is something which will concern Martino. The substitutions were correct but perhaps Lavezzi could have replaced Di María earlier in the second half.