Miami, US, Jun 29 (EFE).- Lautaro Martinez struck twice in the second half as Argentina eased into a 2-0 win over Peru to finish the group stage with a perfect record in the Copa America in Miami on Saturday.
Canada joined Argentina in the quarterfinals from Group A as runners-up, holding former champions Chile to a goalless draw in the same evening.
Argentina rested the talismanic Lionel Messi for the game while coach Lionel Scaloni was also absent in the dugout due to a one-match suspension, but it could not stop them from posting their third straight victory by a clear margin.
The Albiceleste dominated the game right from the start and could have taken a comfortable lead in the first half if Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese had not come in their way.
At 25 minutes, Leandro Paredes’s curving free-kick landed near the top right corner of Gallese, who managed to deflect it.
Gallese responded again to deny Giovanni Lo Celso at the end of the first half after a good team buildup by Argentina.
The defending champions could not be held back for too long as Martinez broke the deadlock at the start of the second half, chipping in over Gallese after a pass from Angel di Maria down the right flank.
Nicolas Tagliafico had a goal disallowed for off-side, while Paredes sent a penalty awarded for a handball to the side post to keep Argentina away from further success in the game.
Martinez sealed the deal with his second goal in the 86th minute, making him the top scorer of the competition with four goals from three matches. EFE
og/am/pd
