Written by Darek Michael Wajda at NBC News.com
Soccer fans are getting what they asked for, a repeat of last year’s final.
Fútbol aficionados are eagerly anticipating watching Argentina and Chile battle it out once again, this time for this year’s historic 100th La Copa América final game on Sunday, June 26.
Chile defeated Argentina last year after a nerve-wracking full 90 minutes that led to a penalty shoot-out, where the Chileans won 4-1.
Making this rematch possible wasn’t the easiest path for both teams. Chile was off to a rough start after they ironically lost their first group play match 2-1 to Argentina.
Argentina has already beat Chile once during this tournament but momentum seems to have shifted after the first match. In a rare rematch, the red-hot Chileans seem to have everything going in their favor.
The first semifinal match was between Argentina and the United States. The Argentinians were off to a tremendous start after Argentina captain and FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi lifted the ball over the U.S. defense allowing teammate Ezequiel Lavezzi to loft the ball with his head into the back of the net.
Messi later netted his 55th goal for his country, breaking the all-time goal scoring record for Argentina. The free kick, from 25 yards out, skyrocketed into the top corner of the U.S. net, leaving soccer fans in awe. Argentina later had two players come off due to injury but finished strong to win 4-0 after two late goals from forward Gonzalo Higuain.
The second semifinal match was one that was filled with action, goals, and oddly enough, over two hours of weather delay. The semifinal that took place in Chicago saw fans evacuated due to extreme weather over the stadium.
Even after the long leg-stiffening delay, Chile continued its stride, feeding off their thunderous quarterfinal win over Mexico, to beat the Colombians, who failed to create and clear chances, 2-0 with two well-earned first half goals.
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