Colombia 2-0 Argentina: Queiroz's side beat Messi's Argentina in Copa America

Carlos Queiroz’s Colombia came out victorious against Argentina in their first match Copa America group stage match.

The game followed the pattern you would expect from a Queiroz team, with Colombia happy to sit back and absorb pressure when necessary.

However, Colombia certainly matches Argentina throughout that game and, while Messi’s side did have their fair share of the possession and had some good opportunities to pull in front, Colombia generally looked in control of proceedings.

Indeed, Queiroz’s side, as you would expect, looked organised and prepared, the far more tactically astute outfit of the two teams on the pitch, with Lionel Scaloni’s tactical approach to the game rarely able to truly threaten Colombia.

Just before Colombia grabbed the all-important first goal, though, Argentina did have an excellent double chance, Otamendi’s header forcing Ospina into a very smart low stop, before Messi could only head wide.

Colombia then soon went up the other end and struck the first blow, with a fantastic long-range effort from Roger Martinez in the 71st minute.

And, while Argentina continued to hopefully pump the ball into the box, Colombia still generally looked untroubled, Ospina catching everything thrown at him, and eventually Colombia went on to double their lead, Zapata striking from close range after a low cross from Lerma put it on a plate to secure all 3 points for Colombia in the 86th minute.

The victory sees Colombia move to top of the table on 3 points, with Qatar and Paraguay yet to play.

In the Copa America, the top 2 in each group are guaranteed to advance to the quarter finals, while the 2 best third placed teams also join them. It means Argentina remain with plenty of time to make up for the early setback.