All focus is fixated on the 2024 Copa America final, as Argentina trade tackles with Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, United States.
La Albiceleste have their sights on clinching back-to-back titles, having defeated Brazil 1-0 to win the previous edition played in 2021.
Argentina’s 2024 Copa America Journey To The Final
Lionel Scaloni’s side defeated Canada 2-0 in the semi-finals, to book a place in the deciding affair of the competition.
They commenced the tournament with a 2-0 win over Canada, as they were also housed in the same group.
Argentina defeated Chile 1-0 and Peru 2-0 in their subsequent group matches, heading into the knockout phase unbeaten and as leaders of the group.
Their fiercest challenge arguably came against Ecuador in the quarter-finals, as the game went into the penalties after both nations played out a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Argentine great Lionel Messi missed from the spot, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved his blushes by keeping out 2 penalties from the Ecuadorians.
Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolas Otamendi all tucked home their spot kicks, as Messi heaved a sigh of relief, having seen his teammates come to his rescue.
In the last 4, Alvarez and Lionel Messi netted in the 22nd and 51st minute respectively as Argentina submerged Canada at the MetLife Stadium.
Colombia’s 2024 Copa America Journey To The Final
Meanwhile, Colombia have been fiery thus far at the tournament, as Nestor Lorenzo’s men displayed their superiority over their opposition.
They commenced the 2024 Copa America with a 2-1 win over Paraguay, before comfortably beating Costa Rica 3-0.
In their final group clash, they shared the spoils with Brazil, playing out a 1-1 draw at the Levi’s Stadium.
Colombia were utterly ruthless in the quarter-finals, as they smashed Panama 5-0, before grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Uruguay in a game that witnessed ugly scenes after the full-time whistle.
Colombia Are Eyeing An Historic Win Over Argentina In The 2024 Copa America Final Despite Their Poor Head-to-head Record
The one-time champions will be looking to record a historic win over Argentina in the final, which is expected to be immensely competitive.
Moreover, head-to-head records do not favor Colombia, as in the 12 matches between both countries, they have won just 1, while La Albiceleste have come out victorious 4 times.
The clash has ended in a draw just 4 times within the run of games, and the win for the Tricolour came in their group stage of the 2019 Copa America.
Argentina and Colombia last met on February 2, 2022, in a qualification clash for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The former came out victorious in that encounter, winning 1-0 via a goal netted by Inter Milan man Lautaro Martinez.
It will be fascinating to see where the pendulum would swing this time, as both countries battle for pride and glory.
The game could be the last international game for several veterans of Argentina like Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, and Nicolas Otamendi.
Their decisions may be hinged on the outcome of the final and many will be on the lookout to see if these stars will call time on their international careers after the game.
Team News For Argentina
Lionel Messi overcame a leg problem to feature for the entire 90 minutes of Argentina’s win over Canada in the semi-finals and he is expected to be in the starting XI in Miami.
Julian Alvarez will likely start the encounter following his well-taken goal in the semi-finals against the Canucks.
He is expected to retain his position upfront over Lautaro Martinez, while there will be no selection problems for Lionel Scaloni in defense, as the Premier League duo of Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero are both fit and in good shape to start at center-back.
Several football enthusiasts look to see how Scaloni will set up his side against the Tricolour.
Team News For Colombia
Daniel Munoz will be absent from the clash due to suspension, as the Crystal Palace defender was shown a red card during their last 4 game against Uruguay. Santiago Arias should deputize in his stead.
James Rodriguez, who has been breathtaking at the 2024 Copa America will captain the team for the game barring any unforeseen circumstances and he is expected to feature alongside Jhon Cordoba and Liverpool’s Luis Diaz in attack.
Expected Lineups For Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Gonzalo Montiel, Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
Expected Lineups For Colombia: Camilo Vargas, Johan Mojica, Carlos Cuesta, Davidson Sanchez, Santiago Arias, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios, Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias, Jhon Córdoba.
Kick-off Time And Date: 01:00 AM (WAT), Monday, July 15, 2024.
Prediction: Argentina 1-1 Colombia (3-5 on penalties – Colombia wins).
