The Copa America 2024 has witnessed 69 goals in regulation time across 39 matches, showcasing a remarkable blend of skill and determination. Colombia, the finalist against Argentina, leads the goal tally with 12, closely followed by Uruguay with 11. Let’s delve into some of the most memorable goals, both in terms of their technical brilliance and their impact on the tournament.
One of the most impressive goals came from Folarin Balogun, a young American forward, in the group stage match against Panama. He opened the scoring for the USA in the 22nd minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. After a neat one-two with teammate Antonee Robinson, Balogun seized the opportunity and found the far post, leaving the Panama goalkeeper, Orlando Mosquera, with no chance.
Brazil’s Vinicius Junior also produced a spectacular goal in a group stage match against Paraguay. This goal was a result of excellent team play, with Real Madrid teammate Rodrygo and Bruno Guimaraes contributing before Vinicius slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
The opening match of the tournament saw Argentina face Canada, with Lautaro Martinez scoring a goal that exemplified patience and teamwork. The ball traveled from the final third to Emiliano Martinez before reaching Lionel Messi, who set up Martinez for a clever finish between the goalkeeper’s legs.
Christian Pulisic, the captain of the USA, started the Copa America with a bang, scoring a beautiful goal against Bolivia in the 3rd minute. He received the ball in the Bolivia box, created some space, and curled the ball towards the goal, despite the Bolivian goalkeeper’s attempt to save it.
Uruguay’s Matias Vina started the tournament with a remarkable goal against Panama. After receiving a pass from the midfield, Vina played a first-time ball towards Darwin Nunez, who left it for an unsuspecting Araujo. Araujo collected the ball, took a few touches, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into the top right corner.
Paraguay’s Ramon Sosa scored a memorable goal against Costa Rica, despite his team trailing 0-2. The goal was a result of a clever toe-poke from teammate Mathias Villasanti, who played the ball towards Sosa, who struck it perfectly into the net.
One of the most audacious goals of the tournament came from Venezuela’s Salomon Rondon in the quarterfinals against Canada. After a Canada throw, Rondon wrestled past a defender just ahead of the center line, spotted the goalkeeper out of position, and launched a long-range strike that found the back of the net.
Colombia, the tournament finalist, produced a number of impressive goals, including Luis Diaz’s long-range chip over the Panama goalkeeper in the quarterfinals. The goal came after a clever free-kick from James Rodriguez found Diaz in an advantageous position.
Lionel Messi, the Argentinian legend, added another historic moment to his illustrious career with a stunning flick against Canada in the semifinals. After Enzo Fernandez’s shot, Messi cleverly guided the ball into the net, becoming the second-highest goalscorer in international men’s football history.
Canada’s Ismael Kone showcased his athleticism in the third-place match against Uruguay. He scored with an impressive overhead kick, bringing Canada back into the game after a turning ball from Jacob Shaffelburg was not cleared by the Uruguayan defenders.
The Copa America 2024 has been a testament to the beauty of football, with a collection of incredible goals that will be remembered for years to come.
