Argentina defeated Colombia on penalties in the quarter-final of the Copa America at Vinda del Mar.
The Albiceleste were totally dominant throughout the 90 minutes, but just could not find a way through the Colombian defence.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina was in fine form, pulling off a double save in the first half and a number of crucial stops in the second half.
The match went to a shootout and, after four missed penalties in a row, Carlos Tevez stepped up to send Argentina through to the semi-final.
Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Copa America quarter-final between Argentina and Colombia.
With a little over 20 minutes to go until kick-off, let's get straight to the team news.
ARGENTINA STARTING XI: Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Otamendi, Rojo; Pastore, Mascherano, Biglia; Messi, Agüero, Di María
COLOMBIA STARTING XI: Ospina; Zuniga, Zapata, Murillo, Arias; Cuadrado, Mejia, Ibarbo, James; Jackson, Gutierrez
So one piece of big news regarding the two lineups - Falcao has been dropped by Colombia coach Jose Pekerman for this one. It's no real surprise though - he failed to score in the group stages. The Colombians have struggled in front of goal, with their only goal coming in the 1-0 win against Brazil, and Jackson Martinez is the man to replace Falcao tonight.
As for Argentina, they've named a strong line-up, with a frightening front three that's feared throughout world football. Manchester United fans should look out for Nicolas Otamendi in defence. He could be on the way to Old Trafford this summer.
Argentina were the pre-tournament favourites, but their performances in the group stage left a lot to be desired. They won Group B but were held to a 2-2 draw by Paraguay, and could only beat Uruguay and Jamaica by a goal to nil. Messi and co will have to perform better in front of goal tonight.
As for Colombia, they scraped into the knockout rounds with four points from Group C. After a shock loss to Venezuela in their opener, they beat Brazil 1-0 before stumbling to a 0-0 draw against Peru to secure their place as one of the two best third-placed teams.
We've already had two of the quarter-finals. Hosts Chile knocked out Uruguay to set up a semi-final against Peru, who beat Bolivia 3-1. The victors tonight will play against Brazil or Paraguay in the semi-final on Tuesday.
Of course, this match ends with a victory for one team tonight. We'll have extra time and penalties if required. It could be a late one guys, time to get the kettle on!
With the anthems ringing out, it's surely time for a prediction. Neither team has set the tournament alight yet, but I've got to go for Argentina tonight. Messi to score his first goals of the tournament and lead Argentina to a 2-0 win.
Just about to kick off then at Vina del Mar. Argentina vs Colombia for a place in the Copa America semi-final.
KICKOFF! Argentina get the match underway and play it straight back to Otamendi.
A correction for you - if we're level at the end of 90 minutes, it's straight to penalties - no extra time.
Colombia go on the attack but it's snuffed out by Rojo and Argentina gather.
Argentina go on the attack and attack down the left with Di Maria. Zapata makes the tackle and clears the ball away.
CHANCE! Di Maria crosses low from the left to Pastore but Zuniga slides in to clear the ball behind.
From the corner, Di Maria finds Rojo, who heads over the bar from 15 yards. He was unmarked there.
Argentina are certainly having the better of the match at the moment, with Di Maria looking like he could be successful down the left wing. Any long balls up to Jackson Martinez have been dealt with easily by Garay and Otamendi.
CHANCE! Messi drives through the Colombia midfield and tries to play a one-two with Di Maria in the area. Di Maria's pass is blocked by Murillo though. A great interception with Messi waiting in the wings.
YELLOW! James Rodriguez picks up the match's first yellow card, and it's a stupid one. He gave away a throw in in a harmless area and was booked for dissent.
SAVE! Di Maria takes a pop from long range. It's low and bouncing but is gathered easily by Ospina.
A Messi free-kick from the right by-line is aimed towards Otamendi on the six-yard box. He falls to the floor after a tussle from Murillo, but the referee waves away the penalty appeals.
CHANCE! Di Maria's corner finds Messi but it rebounds off his shin and falls to Aguero. He goes to ground from a challenge by Arias, and Messi is then tackled at the last moment by Mejia. The ball eventually trickles out for a goal kick.
YELLOW! Aguero is next to go into the referee's book, and it's another one for dissent. Aguero was adamant that he was fouled by Arias there.
YELLOW! The cards are flying here - this time Mejia fouls Messi 40 yards from goal and is deservedly booked.
CHANCE! Messi finds Di Maria, who launches a lovely cross onto the head of Aguero. His finish is lacking though and the ball goes over the bar.
COLOMBIA SUBSTITUTION: Gutierrez is replaced by Cardona. The striker hadn't seen any of the ball so far, and Pekerman has chosen to change things early on in an attempt to get more of the ball in the midfield.
DOUBLE SAVE! Absolutely incredible double save from Ospina! Pastore drove down the right side before finding Aguero in the box. He volleys towards goal and Ospina sticks out his foot. Then Messi gets his head to the rebound but the Arsenal keeper somehow gets up to deflect the ball over.
And to think Ospina could be surplus to requirements at Arsenal next season is beyond belief after seeing that double save - certainly the save of the tournament so far!
Ibarbo takes exception to a challenge from Mascherano, and they square up to each other. The referee takes no action though and play resumes.
Colombia really have done absolutely nothing offensively in this match so far - if things keep going as they are then surely it's only a matter of time until Argentina take the lead.
YELLOW! Mascherano goes in the book for a late challenge on James Rodriguez.
YELLOW! Messi completely outfoxes Arias, and he takes down the Barcelona man. At this rate, we could well be seeing a red card this evening.
CHANCE! Zapata nearly scores an own goal. Pastore plays the ball to Di Maria, whose low cross is blocked by Zapata. He directs the ball towards his own goal though, but Ospina makes the stop. Aguero was waiting there and would have had an easy chance had it gone through to him. Zapata is looking very relieved.
YELLOW! Cuadrado receives a yellow for a cynical challenge. He brought down Rojo when the left back had seemingly beaten him. Cuadrado knew exactly what he was doing there.
Pastore misses the target after Ospina fails to gather a quick Messi free-kick. The ball eventually goes wide of the left post from a tight angle.
There will be one minute of stoppage time.
HALF TIME: Argentina 0-0 Colombia
So, it's goalless at Vina del Mar, but it certainly shouldn't be. Colombia have barely been out of their own half, and, if it wasn't for Ospina, they would certainly be losing this one.
Di Maria has looked particularly lively down the left wing. He's causing a lot of problems and is combining well with Messi.
As for Colombia, they need to somehow figure out a way to get back into the match. At the moment they're still level, and if they can manage to get back into it then it's anyone's game.
It has certainly been worth staying up for. More of the same in the second half please, we just need a few goals though.
The stats tell the story of the match perfectly. Argentina have taken 11 shots, Colombia none.
The Twittersphere seems to be in agreement too over this match:
Not sure how that's 0-0 or 11 v 11 at half-time. Argentina rampant.
— Jonathan Wilson (@jonawils) June 27, 2015
Just a few minutes until the restart, and it will be interesting to see what changes, if any, Pekerman has made for Colombia. He wasn't afraid to change things after half an hour, and he'll certainly be tempted to make further changes here.
KICKOFF! Colombia get the second half underway.
Argentina start the second half as they finished the first - on the attack. Mascherano plays a long ball to Zabaleta who is fouled on the right by-line...
Messi meets Di Maria's free kick but is unable to control it and the ball is cleared. It eventually goes out for a throw in.
Aguero goes on the attack after Murillo fails to deal with a long ball. He is eventually crowded out by yellow shirts though.
Messi nearly plays in Di Maria with a perfectly-weighted deep through-ball. Ospina is out quickly though and clears.
Di Maria and Ospina have collided here though, and both players are getting treatment at the moment.
Replays show that it was a tough collision to be involved. Both players had to give 100% for that ball, and Ospina clattered into Di Maria's ribs. That was a sore one.
Are Colombia playing for penalties here? They certainly have not shown any more ambition than their first-half performance. Remember it's straight to penalties if there is a draw after 90 minutes - that looks like Colombia's only chance tonight so far.
Cuadrado fouls Rojo and the Argentina players surround the referee. Cuadrado was booked earlier in the match but he is not being shown a red card tonight.
Martino is absolutely livid that Cuadrado did not get further punishment. An Argentina coach is not too happy either, and is sent to the stands. It is getting a bit feisty over at the dugout.
Messi goes for goal from a free kick on the right by-line. That one curls over the bar.
Colombia get into the Argentina half! Ibarbo receives the ball on the left wing, and drives to the by-line, but he's tackled by Zabaleta.
Ospina nearly gifts a goal to Aguero! After receiving a backpass he stumbles with the first touch and nearly gives the ball away. He eventually is able to clear - danger averted!
Colombia come close! They even get into the Argentina area this time, and Ibarbo threatens from a close angle but it's deflected for a corner. Murillo gets to the ball from a corner but his shot is caught by Romero. Progress for Colombia.
Less than 20 minutes left here, and somehow the match remains goalless. Argentina should have the result signed, sealed and delivered but, much like the rest of their tournament, they have struggled to find the back of the net.
ARGENTINA SUBSTITUTION: Carlos Tevez replaces Sergio Aguero. Aguero has been the quietest of the three Argentina attackers. Let's see if Tevez can provide that all-important opening goal.
COLOMBIA SUBSTITUTION: Falcao comes on for Jackson Martinez. Is it time for Falcao to finally find his form again? What a time it would be to do it.
ARGENTINA SUBSTITUTION: Ever Banega comes on for Pastore. The PSG man played well in the first half but has been anonymous in the second.
CROSSBAR! Banega's first contribution is to hit the bar from 25 yards! Messi's dribbling causes problems and the ball falls to Banega, whose looping shot just bounces off the bar and goes over.
POST! Otamendi leaves the right post shaking! His volley from a corner beats Ospina but bounces off the post.
Argentina are absolutely desperate not to rely on the lottery of the shootout. Colombia are hanging on by the skin of their teeth here.
Replays show that it was another brilliant save from Ospina kept Otamendi's shot out there. His performance will be remembered for years to come if Colombia can somehow get through to the semi-final.
Cuadrado delivers a free kick into the box and Falcao nearly gets his right boot to it. That would have been quite something if he was able to connect there.
COLOMBIA SUBSTITUTION: Ibarbo is replaced by Luis Muriel. Muriel makes his sixth appearance for Colombia. Surely the striker has been brought on with a view to the penalties.
YELLOW CARD! Falcao comes in late on Otamendi and receives a yellow card.
ARGENTINA SUBSTITUTION: Lavezzi comes on for Di Maria. The Manchester United man has been really impressive tonight and has created a hatful of chances.
CHANCE! Tevez knocks the ball past Ospina one-on-one and the ball is seemingly trickling into the net. Murillo manages to sprint back though and clear the ball. Sensational defending from Murillo!
There will be four minutes of stoppage time. Will we see a late winner, or are we going to the penalty shootout?
YELLOW! Messi is shown a yellow after a collision in the area. It was a fairly innocuous booking there.
Argentina have a free kick 40 yards from goal and, with a host of bodies in the area, Banega fires it harmlessly out of play. What a waste at such a crucial time!
An Argentina corner is well claimed by Ospina and the final whistle is blown. Penalties!
How have Argentina not won this? 16 shots to two, 61% possession. That says it all.
Ospina has had an unbelievable game tonight, and it's totally down to him that Colombia are still in it:
Going to penalties ... My god if Argentina don't go through what an injustice this will be
— Brandon McLean (@manutdfan101) June 27, 2015
As for Argentina's history in penalty shootouts - well, it's certainly a rather positive one. We're all familiar with one in particular - dare I mention it?
Messi has scored 12 out of 14 spot kicks for Argentina - two of those have been in shootouts.
Time to see whether Colombia can progress. They really do not deserve it but it's anyone's game now!
SCORED! First up, James Rodriguez and he puts it low to the left.
SCORED! Messi goes the same way as James, and Ospina dives the other way.
SCORED! Romero goes the right way but Falcao launches it into the top left corner.
SCORED! Garay has never scored for Argentina, but he certainly knows how to hit a penalty! He whacks it into the top corner.
SCORED! Cuadrado mirrors Garay's previous penalty - absolutely unstoppable!
SCORED! Banega goes low and just beats Ospina to the right.
MISSED! Muriel skies it horribly! That has gone miles over the bar - what a nightmare!
SCORED! Lavezzi gives Argentina the lead. Ospina got a touch but it just goes in.
SCORED! Cardona had to score, and he nearly misses! That goes under Romero and into the net - very lucky!
MISSED! It's not over yet! Biglia fires wide when a goal would have sent Argentina through! Into sudden death we go...
MISSED! Zuniga fires it low to the left but Romero goes the right way. Advantage Argentina once again!
MISSED! Rojo smashes the crossbar. Does anyone want to win this shootout?
MISSED! Murillo lobs it high over the crossbar. That was the worst one of the lot!
ARGENTINA WIN! Tevez scores!!! Argentina are through to the Copa America semi-final - finally!
Wow! What a shootout! Four missed penalties in a row but Tevez finally confirms Argentina's place in the Copa America semi-final!
Argentina deserved nothing less than a victory there. Completely dominant throughout the 90 minutes, but didn't they do it the hard way! Two chances to win the shootout, both missed. Tevez comes to the rescue, finally winning the match with penalty number seven.
That's all from me! I'm exhausted after that shootout. Be sure to come back tomorrow though. We'll have live coverage of the final quarter-final between Brazil and Paraguay. Until then!
Written by
Jonathan McIntosh
Jonathan McIntosh
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