Overview of the Group Stage
The Copa America 2024 group stage delivered excitement and drama from start to finish, with red cards, thrilling goals, and memorable moments. As we head into the quarter-finals, let’s recap the highlights and statistics that defined the early rounds of the tournament.
Record Attendance
Highest-Attended Match: Chile vs. Argentina at MetLife Stadium MetLife Stadium hosted the most attended match of the group stage, with 81,106 fans watching Chile’s narrow 1-0 victory over Argentina. Despite not being the most thrilling game, the chance to see Lionel Messi in action drew a massive crowd.
Goal-Scoring Feats
Total Goals Scored: 53 A total of 53 goals were netted during the group stage, with Uruguay leading the way with nine goals. Colombia and Panama each scored six, while Argentina and Brazil managed five goals apiece. Every team, except for Chile and Peru, who failed to score, found the back of the net at least once.
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Top Scorer: Lautaro Martinez, Argentina Lautaro Martinez emerged as the leading scorer with four goals, helping Argentina top Group A. He is closely followed by Colombia’s Daniel Munoz, Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez, and Brazil’s Vinicius Jr.
Assist Kings and Defensive Stalwarts
Most Assists: James Rodriguez, Colombia James Rodriguez showed his playmaking prowess, providing three assists during the group stage. Uruguay’s Nicolas de la Cruz added two assists, while Lionel Messi contributed one for Argentina.
Most Clean Sheets: Emiliano Martinez, Argentina Argentina’s defense, anchored by Emiliano Martinez, was impregnable, with the goalkeeper keeping three clean sheets. Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero played key roles in this defensive success.
Perfect Performances
Teams with Perfect Group Stages: 3 (Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay) Three teams managed perfect group stages, winning all their matches:
- Argentina: Dominated Group A with wins over Canada, Chile, and Peru, scoring five goals and conceding none.
- Venezuela: Surprised everyone by topping Group B with victories over Mexico, Jamaica, and Ecuador.
- Uruguay: Secured nine points in Group C, defeating USA, Bolivia, and Panama.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the knockout stages, fans can anticipate more thrilling matches and standout performances. The quarterfinals feature intriguing matchups, including the highly anticipated clash between Brazil and Uruguay in Las Vegas. With the stage set, the battle for Copa America glory continues, promising more unforgettable moments and intense competition.