Argentina leads Canada 1-0 after the first half of their Copa America semifinal match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Julian Alvarez scored the opening goal.

Alvarez received a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, split the Canadian defenders, and shot the ball past goalie Maxime Crépeau to give the defending Copa America champions the lead in the 22nd minute.

Though Argentina had 60% possession at halftime, Canada controlled the game for long intervals after conceding the opening goal.

Canada’s Jonathan David had a late chance, but Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez saved it.

Jacob Shaffelburg led Canada’s offensive play in the first 45 minutes, with two shots, neither of which were on target.

Lionel Messi had three shots in the first half, but none of them were on target.

The first player to be booked was Canada’s Jonathan David, who received a yellow card in the 32nd minute.

This game is a rematch of the tournament’s opening game, which Argentina won 2-0.

Argentina is FIFA’s number one team, whereas Canada is placed 48th in the globe.

The victor of Tuesday’s semifinal encounter will progress to the Copa America Final on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

Canada’s head coach, Jesse Marsch, made one change to the side that overcame Venezuela on penalties in the quarterfinals. Ismaël Koné, who scored the crucial penalty, replaced Jonathan Osorio in the starting lineup for the semifinals.

Lautaro Martínez, Argentina’s tournament scoring leader, started on the bench in Tuesday’s game. He has four goals.

Argentina defeated Canada in their tournament opener, with Alvarez and Martínez scoring both goals.