It had all the hallmarks of being ‘one of those nights’ after Argentina dominated Colombia for 90 minutes of their Copa América quarter-final but were ultimately taken to penalties after being thwarted by the heroic efforts of goalkeeper David Ospina. However, just as supporters of La Albiceleste were fearing it was to be another night of bitter disappointment, fate allowed Carlos Tevez to gain redemption for his penalty miss in 2011 and fire the decisive sudden death spot-kick and send Argentina into a semi-final clash with either Brazil or Paraguay on Tuesday.
From kickoff Gerardo Martino’s side were superior to their quarter-final opponents and the loss of Carlos Sánchez and Edwin Valencia in the midfield was obviously apparent as Colombia could not hold onto the ball for more than two passes. Argentina were rampant and the yellow cards flowed in response to the continual shirt pulling and tripping so much so that José Pékerman was forced into a midfield reshuffle after just 25 minutes.
For all Argentina’s dominance there were not too many clear cut chances in front of goal and on the one occasion the goal looked imminent, David Ospina produced a moment of goalkeeping magic. Javier Pastore attacked off the right wing and his low cross was fired at goal by Sergio Agüero only for the feet of Ospini to deflect the ball away and onto the head of Lionel Messi just six yards out. The goal was gaping and the Argentina captain rose to surely head the opening goal but the Arsenal keeper scrambled across the goal to palm the ball out for a corner.
There was no change in momentum after the break but the Colombian goal continued to lead a charmed life. Second half substitute Éver Banega clipped the cross bar with a long range effort and moments later, Nicolás Otamendi saw a powerful header tipped onto the inside of the post and agonisingly roll back across the goalline.
Colombia survived the onslaught and with no extra time scheduled until the final in the Copa América, the match went straight to the dreaded penalty kicks. Four years ago after a 1-1 draw with Uruguay, Argentina suffered the agony of a penalty defeat at the same stage. That night it was Carlos Tévez who missed the crucial spot-kick but in 2015 after Lucas Biglia and Marcos Rojo failed to put the match to bed, the responsibility fell to Boca Juniors’ latest signing. El jugador del pueblo made no mistake and sent Argentina into the semi-final.
The victory was thoroughly deserved as Argentina produced their best performance of the tournament to dominate a weakened Colombia side. The one concern for Gerardo Martino is the failure to convert this into goals. Given the attacking riches available and the amount of possession his side have enjoyed, to only have scored four goals in the tournament is a worry. A semi-final against either Brazil or Paraguay on Tuesday will provide another test and hopefully an opportunity to rediscover some goalscoring form.
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