Argentina got started straight away in the opening game of the Copa América in the USA. The Albiceleste got up and running with a 2-0 win over Canada in Atlanta, Georgia. Julian Álvarez broke the deadlock in the 49th minute, before Lautaro Martínez made it 2-0 in the 88th minute after an assist from Lionel Messi. Exequiel Palacios didn't feature in the encounter.
With three points in the bag, Argentina assume top spot in Group A after Matchday 1. Behind them on one point are Chile, Argentina's second opponents, and Peru, their opponents in the third and final group fixture. Chile and Peru drew 0-0 in their opening clash, leaving Canada bottom of the group.
Meanwhile, Piero Hincapie started in Ecuador's first match against Venezuela, but his side had to play with 10 men from the 22nd minute onwards following a red card for striker Enner Valencia. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ecuador took the lead in the 40th minute, but Venezuela turned the contest around with two goals in the 64th and 74th minute. Hincapie played the full game.
Die Venezolaner stehen nach dem 1. Spieltag auf Platz eins. Mexiko, Ecuadors Gegner im dritten Gruppenspiel, rangiert aufgrund eines 1:0-Auftaktsiegs gegen Jamaika auf dem zweiten Platz. Nach den drittplatzierten Ecuadorianern folgen die Jamaikaner, auf die Hincapie und Co. als nächstes treffen.
THE WERKSELF PLAYERS' MATCHES AT A GLANCE
Exequiel Palacios (Argentina/Group A)
Friday, 21.06., 02:00 CEST: Argentina 2-0 Canada (DAZN)
Wednesday, 26.06., 03:00 CEST: Chile vs Argentina (DAZN)
Sunday, 30.06., 02:00 CEST: Argentina vs Peru (DAZN)
Piero Hincapie (Ecuador/Group B)
Sunday, 23.06., 00:00 CEST: Ecuador 1-2 Venezuela (DAZN)
Thursday, 27.06., 00:00 CEST: Ecuador vs Jamaica (DAZN)
Monday, 01.07., 02:00 CEST: Mexico vs Ecuador (DAZN)
Edmond Tapsoba has signed an early extension to his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With two years left on his current deal, the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has extended his contract until 30 June 2031. The centre-back joined as a young talent from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2020.
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A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...
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This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.
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Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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