Copa America: Argentina Stun Colombia on Penalties to Reach Final

• Argentina vs Colombia Copa America semi-final meeting ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time
• It was a narrow escape for Argentina who went on to beat Colombia 3-2 on penalties to make Copa America final
• A goal each from Lautaro Martinez and Luis Diaz ensured both teams cancelled each other out after 120 minutes

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Argentina have advanced to the final of Copa America for the first time since 2016 after beating Colombia 3-2 on penalties at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia on Wednesday, July 7.

The cracker stretched into shootouts after neither side failed to show superiority with the game ending in a 1-1 draw after the regulation period and extra time.

La Albiceleste got the game off to a bright start with Lionel Messi combining well with Lautaro Martinez to hand the Argentine side the lead just seven minutes into the encounter.

However, Lionel Scaloni's men failed to protect the lead as Luis Diaz's goal assisted by Edwin Cardona cancelled out the Argentines' early goal after the hour-mark.

All efforts by both teams to end the game within 90 minutes failed to materialise and they embarked on another 30 extra minutes which also produced no goal for either side.

However, Argentina, who are the 14-time champions of the tournament scored three of their spot-kicks while Colombia only managed to put two of their five kicks in the back of the net to allow Messi and co. to progress to the final.

Argentina to face Brazil in the Copa America final

They will now face-off with host country Brazil for the title as the Barcelona captain is hoping to win his first title for his country at the senior level.

Argentina are gunning for their 15th Copa America title while the Selecao are hoping to claim their 10th having won the last edition staged on home soil.

Neymar prays for Argentina meeting

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported Neymar has said he would love to face Argentina in the final of the Copa America.

The Samba Boys, who are hosts of the tournament stunned Peru in their own semi-final fixture to reach the penultimate of the competition.

Interestingly, Neymar believes Brazil will come out victorious over the Argentines should they meet in the final.

"I want Argentina, I am cheering them on. I have friends there and in the final, Brazil will win," he declared.

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