Alvarez helps Argentina into Copa America quarter-final | OneFootball

Julian Alvarez played the first 73 minutes as Argentina beat Chile 1-0 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The result ensures the world champions will top Group A of the 2024 Copa America and progress safely to the last eight.

Having already defeated Canada in the opening round, La Albiceleste have achieved their objective in the group with a game to spare.

Buy your Alvarez #19 shirt

This match required an 88th minute winner from Inter's Lautaro Martinez but in truth, Argentina dominated throughout the game.

Lionel Scaloni's side, defending the crown they won in 2021, had 59% of the ball and 22 goal attempts while restricting Chile to just three efforts of their own.

With an xG of 2.87, Argentina's only disappointment will have been the failure to score more than one.

Alvarez himself again operated in a front two with eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, with his expressed task to hold the ball up for his team-mates and to offer an option in behind the defence.

Despite having just 27 touches, he carried out that role excellently as his movement created space for those around him.

WATCH: Julian Alvarez: Standing Alone

Full of confidence after his goal against Canada, Alvarez also had the chance to get on the scoresheet in the first half of this game.

Stood eight yards out from goal, he was in the perfect position for Nicolas Gonzalez's drilled cross.

However, his left-footed scoop wasn't enough to beat former City man Claudio Bravo in the Chile goal.

Argentina will now face Peru on Saturday 30 June at 01:00 (UK) before finding out who their quarter-final opponents are.