Funes Mori and Argentina into last four of Copa America

, 18 June, 12comments | Jump to most recent

Ramiro Funes Mori and Argentina beat Venezuela with room to spare in Massachusetts this evening, setting up a semi-final clash with the USA.

The Albiceleste got off to a quick start through a brace by Gonzalo Higuain and were leading 2-0 heading towards half time when Venezuela were given the chance to halve the deficit when Sergio Romero conceded a penalty.

Unfortunately, Romero's decision not to dive to guess the direction of Luis Seijas's spot kick left the Venezuelan man red-faced as his "Panenka" attempt was easily caught by the 'keeper.

Predictably, Lionel Messi weighed in with a goal in the second half, slotting the ball between the goalkeeper's legs and Eric Lamela scored a fourth to put the game to bed after Salomon Rondon had glanced in a header to make it 3-1.

Argentina will now meet the US in the last four on Tuesday in Houston, a game that is unlikely to feature Tim Howard who is still officially an Everton player until the end of the month. The veteran has been an unused substitute for the Americans, with Brad Guzan given the nod between the sticks by Jà¼rgen Klinsmann thus far.

In the evening's other game, Chile destroyed Mexico 7-0, with former QPR forward Eduardo Vargas scoring four times, to set up a semi-final date with Colombia in Chicago on Wednesday.

Reader Comments (12)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer

Brian Porter
1 Posted 19/06/2016 at 02:28:46

Well done to Funes Mori and his team mates. We should be proud that Everton have a player in such a high profile international set up, and realistically in with the chance of being a Copa America finalist.

Here's hoping he can carry on representing his country and Everton FC all the way to a winner's medal, something I don't really see our English lads achieving at the European equivalent.

Ian Jones
2 Posted 19/06/2016 at 07:13:28

Brian, it seems ironic that some Everton fans don't rate Funes Mori, yet he seems to be a regular in the national team. Having said that, l am not clued up to the players he is keeping out. Perhaps there are very few defenders around to provide him with competition.

Aidy Dews
3 Posted 19/06/2016 at 09:14:04

Yeah Ian, I don't think Argentina are flush with CB's these days but Mori keeps out the likes of Musacchio, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Fazio & Garay, who is a really good CB btw!

So there must be summat about Mori hey...

I actually like him and under a manager that does work on the defence, the shape and structure, set pieces etc, I'm sure Mori will get even better.

Paul Andrews
4 Posted 19/06/2016 at 12:04:43

He will be helped by presumably having a defensive unit around him whereby his partner doesn't go awol. He is not having to cover too much space. A good centre half in the making for me.

Tom Bowers
5 Posted 19/06/2016 at 13:36:49

I was generally impressed with Funes after his first full season with the Blues. He is an accomplished defender and very good in the air.
Everton have to build around him as Jags is aging and a possible Stones departure.

Peter Gorman
6 Posted 19/06/2016 at 16:37:21

People seem to like comparing Funes to Yobo in that he has the capacity to make a howler every now and again.

I really am not sure if it is supposed to be a criticism though as I thought Yobo was totally boss, the odd howler aside.

If I was to offer one bit of constructive criticism it is that the next time he walks off the pitch at Anfield thumping his badge he does it after a thrashing win rather than a sending-off.

Helen Mallon
7 Posted 19/06/2016 at 21:23:12

He will be under RK the best centre-back in the Premier League. The lad has great ability and scores goals. The Spanish vultures will be circling soon.

Saegaran Kana
8 Posted 20/06/2016 at 03:09:40

I rate Funes Mori highly. He shows a lot of confidence on the ball although miscues do happen. But he never seems to shy away from attacking the ball. We need winners.

Terry Underwood
9 Posted 20/06/2016 at 10:15:42

I'm sure this guy will develop into a top class premiership centre half, especially under blue Ron

Gerry Quinn
10 Posted 21/06/2016 at 15:37:29

Strange that Argentinian Funes Mori is returning to his childhood home of Texas (Dallas, actually). Here's wishing him well – always liked him as a player, always giving it 100%.

Sam Hoare
11 Posted 21/06/2016 at 15:46:30

He impressed me at times last season and at other times I thought he looked rash, poorly positioned and, hardest to remedy, a bit slow.

I hope Koeman will get the best out of him as he clearly has the potential to be a good CB and hopefully a fantastic one though i'm yet to be convinced of that.

Keith Glazzard
12 Posted 25/06/2016 at 10:16:38

You don't get to be in Argentina's seleccion if you are a yard dog. Ronald will make him our anchor. The important choices, yet to be made, are who will play in front of him, not alongside him. Either Jags or Stones can do that job to the top level.

Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.

About these ads