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| APYonhap News |
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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| APYonhap News |
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During the 2024 Copa America semifinal between Argentina and Canada in New Jersey on the 10th, Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul (Atletico Madrid) showed the essence of 'hollow action'.
De Paul was forced by Canadian midfielder Ismail Kone (Olangfi Marcéu) in his camp at the end of the second half with consecutive goals by Julian Alvarez (Man City) and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).
He fell behind, but the foul couldn't get up on the ground for a while. Kone, however, kicked the ball toward Paul's waist. It is interpreted as a message to get up quickly. Paul was hit by the ball and rolled around holding onto his waist. Players from both teams flocked to the site of the incident, creating a flashpoint. The referee issued a warning to Kone.
A soccer fan who watched the scene responded, "This year's acting award."
He was still lying alone, but Jesse March, the coach of the Canadian national team, approached near Paul. As if the coach lowered his posture, stared at the foul and said a few words. It seems that he pointed out the Hollywood action earlier. De Paul didn't stay put either. He turned his head to the director's voice and made a gesture of 'Stop talking and shut up' Thus, a rare scene was created in which the player and the opposing team's coach were engaged in a war of nerves.
The game ended with a 2-0 victory for Argentina, which had Messi's first goal of the tournament. De Paul stayed on the field until the end and made Messi 'Hawai'.
Argentina, the winner of the 2021 tournament, will reach the final for the second consecutive tournament and compete with the winner of the Uruguay-Colombia match for the trophy. Messi's team, which won the 2022 Qatar World Cup, aims to win three consecutive major tournaments.
Messi, who failed to perform properly in the aftermath of his injury, scored on the same day and built a goal-scoring tower for six consecutive Copa America tournaments. It is the most consecutive scoring tie with Brazil's Gigi New. "Let's enjoy the last game," Messi said. The final match to be held on the 15th is expected to be even more meaningful for Messi as it is an A-match retirement match between Messi's best friend..
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
