With a wonderful performance by Angel Di María and Javier Pastore, Argentina cleared all the doubts surrounding their Copa América campaign, and made it through as expected to the tournament's final match. Even if Lionel Messi was not able to score a single goal, his antics on the pitch helped La Albiceleste destroy a Paraguayan side that put up a fight during the first 45 minutes, but were not able to carry on after the break.
Marcos Rojo and Javier Pastore scored the game's first two goals, while Lucas Barrios scored before the break to give the Paraguayans a little hope for the second half. Di Maria's crucial brace denied Los Guaraníes any chance of making a comeback just like the one they staged during the group phase, while Agüero and Higuaín put to good use a couple of loose balls inside La Albirroja's box to make this a blowout. This was the first match since 1964 that gave Argentina the chance to score more than six goals against Paraguay.
#ARG 4-1 #PAR (61') #Chile2015 - Di Maria is the 2nd Argentinian to score a brace in the Copa America KO round, after Batistuta (1993 final)
— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) July 1, 2015
It's raining Manchester United goals for Argentina right now. Di Maria 2 goals, and Rojo with the goal. Otamendi...next? #MUFC
— Devils of United (@DevilsOfUnited) July 1, 2015
Di Maria's brace (in 5 minutes and 25 seconds) is the second fastest in the Copa America semis (Luis Suárez did it in 5m 11s in 2011)
— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) July 1, 2015
Di Maria arrested for stealing the show pic.twitter.com/oeIAiQb8Y3
— Semper Fi : United (@SemperFiUnited) July 1, 2015
Argentina will try to equalize Uruguay's total of 15 Copa América titles won this Saturday when they face host Chile, who will be trying to win their first. After this performance, fans and experts had their say about La Albiceleste's chances of winning the tournament. Have a look at some of their comments below.
Two goals and an assist from Di María tonight. He's back..
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) July 1, 2015
Agüero's goal courtesy of MCFC's Twitter feed.
.@aguerosergiokun now just one shy of Vargas in race for @ca2015 Golden Boot. In top five of all-time #Arg scorers. https://t.co/lNnIB4AY1p
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) July 1, 2015
"Di María taking them to school as well..."
Di María dando cátedra también.
— Mr Fútbol ⚽️ (@SoyMrFutbol) July 1, 2015
Real life people think Di Maria isn't elite lol.
— El General Del Área (@ConstantRed) July 1, 2015
Tomorrow, many who'd previously suggested they'd "snap PSG's hands off" for a big fee for Di Maria will magically have changed their tunes
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) July 1, 2015
Di Maria again! Spectacular goal. Made by #Messi (of course)
— SOCCER.COM (@soccerdotcom) July 1, 2015
You never realize how much of an embellisher Di Maria is until he leaves your team
— Trophyless Ronaldo (@notRonaIdo) July 1, 2015
I'm so looking forward to this Chile-Argentina final on Sunday. Two great footballing sides. I'm scenting a classic here.
— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) July 1, 2015
First Argentina match that doesn’t force me to curse all of the past and future generations of Tata Martino’s family. That’s progress.
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) July 1, 2015
"I take a breath, Argentina scores. I blink, Argentina scores. I walk, Argentina scores. I turn around, Argentina scores.Argentina scores another. GOAL!"
Respiro : Gol de argentina. Parpadeo : Gol de argentina. Camino : Gol de argentina. Volteo a mirar : Gol de argentina Gol de argentina GOL.
— Haroool® (@HarolCamargoo) July 1, 2015
WATCH: Argentina destroys Paraguay 6-1.