Argentina, Chile book place in Copa America quarterfinals

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Argentina and Chile advanced to the 2021 Copa America quarterfinals on Monday.

The Argentine national football team beat Paraguay 1-0 in a Group A match as forward Papu Gomez scored the winning goal in the 10th minute at Estadio Nacional de Brasilia Mane Garrincha in Brazil.

Gomez was inside the penalty box to make a classy finish after Angel Di Maria's assist.

After the third matches, Argentina are on top of the Group A with seven points to be in the knockout stage.

Second-place Chile drew with Uruguay 1-1 to secure a quarterfinal berth.

Eduardo Vargas' opener gave a 1-0 lead to Chile in the 26th minute but Uruguay pulled the level when Chile's Arturo Vidal scored an own goal in the 66th minute at Arena Pantanal.

Chile boosted their points to five to follow Argentina in the group.

Paraguay have three, Uruguay have one point and Bolivia bottomed the group without any point.

Bolivia will face Uruguay and Chile will play against Paraguay on Thursday.

Separately, Group B leaders Brazil have six points to qualify for the Copa America quarterfinals.

- Messi equals Mascherano's record

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi equaled Javier Mascherano's appearance record for Argentina. Messi, 33, played in his 147th match for his nation as he was in the starting 11 against Paraguay.

Mascherano – a former Barcelona midfielder – had made 147 appearances for Argentina. He retired from the game in 2020.

Messi will be the record holder if he plays against Bolivia next week.