Argentina's hopes of making the quarter-finals of 2011 Copa America suffered a huge setback when they were held to a goalless draw by Colombia, on Wednesday (7/6/2011).
A series of misses from Colombia let hosts Argentina off the hook in the their second match in yet another 0-0 draw in Copa America. Another disappointing result for the host nation which threatens its passage to the knock-out stage.
The game was similar to Argentina's 1-1 draw in the opener of the tournament against Bolivia with coach Sergio Batista sticking with nearly the same starters, led by Barcelona player Lionel Messi and Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.
In the first half they were even more often under pressure from Colombia, who played better in teamwork. Passing the ball from foot to foot, positioning the players are very effective to reduce Argentina players.
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero became a hero thanks to the action of a crucial three-salvation, including when blocking Radamel Falcao's shot, striker who was rumored to be joining Chelsea this summer.
Argentina's game a little better in the second half, after Ezequiel Lavezzi was pulled out and replaced by Sergio Aguero.
Argentina has two points from two games and trails group leader Colombia, which has four points from two games. Bolivia, on one point, and Costa Rica, on nil, will play Thursday. The top two teams in the group advance automatically to the quarterfinals while the best two third-place teams from the three groups also advances.
Argentina 0-0 Colombia, Highlight:
Lineups:
Argentina: Sergio Romero, Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Burdisso, Gabriel Milito, Javier Zanetti, Ever Banega (Gonzalo Higuain '72), Javier Mascherano, Esteban Cambiasso (Fernando Gago '61), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Sergio Aguero '61), Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez.
Colombia: Luis Martinez, Camilo Zuniga, Luis Perea, Mario Yepes, Pablo Armero, Carlos Sanchez, Dayro Moreno, Abel Aguilar, Freddy Guarin, Adrian Ramos (Elkin Soto '89), Radamel Falcao (Teo Gutierrez '87).
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