Argentina vs Colombia: pick your favorite in the hot Copa América final!
Argentina vs Colombia: pick your favorite in the hot Copa América final!
Who will win Copa America? The answer will be revealed on the night of July 14-15. We are sure our preview will help you make the right predictions for the decisive battle between Argentina and Colombia. Don’t forget about the crucial game, and place your bets via the link!
The old guard’s last danc
The reigning world champion is one step away from defending its Copa América title. The Argentines can win the tournament for the 16th time, which would make them the sole record holder, currently tied with Uruguay.
It seemed like the Copa América standings were set up to ensure La Albiceleste’s smooth path to the finals. So it happened: Argentina conceded only 1 goal in 5 matches and won 4 games, 2 of them over Canada, including the semifinals.
Let’s note the individual performance of Lautaro Martinez, who confidently leads in the scorer’s race with 4 goals (that’s 50% of the team’s goals) and, at the same time, only twice appeared in the starting lineup.
However, Argentina’s path was not as easy as it may seem at first glance. In the quarterfinals, La Albiceleste squandered a last-minute lead against Ecuador and, amid emotional turmoil, almost missed the decisive kick. Argentina was saved from failure by Emiliano Martínez, who won the sixth of his career’s 6 penalty shootouts.
In 4 matches, Lionel Messi scored 1 goal, made 1 assist, missed 1 game due to injury, and failed to convert his kick in the penalty shootout against Ecuador. Leo confirmed this is the last Copa América for him. Ángel Di María, who made only 1 assist in 4 matches, will also finish his career in the national team.Are Argentina’s leaders motivated and strong enough to secure another trophy for their country?
At home among strangers
The Colombians’ motivation is unquestionable as they reach the Copa América final for the third time in history, marking their first appearance since winning the gold medal in 2001.
“I’ve never experienced this before. I have a close circle of people who said it could happen. Let’s see, it’s going to be really great,” described his feelings Nestor Lorenzo, Colombia’s coach from Argentina, who will face his home country in the final.
Previously, the 58-year-old professional had only managed Peru’s Melgar independently, but during his 7 years as an assistant in the Colombian national team, he had perfectly studied the players’ capabilities and knew what they needed after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. The results have surpassed all expectations: Los Cafeteros have gone unbeaten in 28 consecutive matches since February 22, 2022, when they lost to Argentina, even before the current coach’s arrival.
The public once again remembered the genius of James Rodriguez. If he shot 6 goals and became the top tournament scorer at the World Cup in Brazil 10 years ago, now, he is brilliantly leading his team’s game. At the Copa América, James made 6 assists, to which he added a penalty goal in the quarterfinals against Panama.
Supporting midfielders Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos (one of the tournament’s revelations) not only eased Rodríguez’s rough work but also contributed a total of 3 goals. Luis Díaz is causing havoc on his wing, having scored 2 goals against the opponents. Also, the Colombians have conceded only 2 goals, which points to the impressive defense reliability.
However, the Colombia national team didn’t go its way without losses. Defender John Lucumi was injured, and right back Daniel Muñoz will miss the final due to a ridiculous suspension in the semifinal against Uruguay. The Colombians have no equal replacement for Muñoz, who scored 2 goals and made 1 assist at the tournament.Can Néstor Lorenzo beat his native country in the Copa América final?
Head-to-head gamesAt the Copa
América, the Colombians haven’t lost to Argentina in regular time in 4 consecutive head-to-head matches but lost in penalty shootouts in 2015 and 2021.Odds: W1 – 2.264, X – 3.065, W2 – 3.955
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