The Copa America last is ready as Argentina and Colombia will meet with the coveted trophy on the road, however this can be a cyclical second as effectively. Colombia are unbeaten for a team-record 28 consecutive matches, however the final group to finest them was Argentina on February 1, 2022. It has been greater than two years since Los Cafeteros have seen defeat, however Argentina wish to win their third consecutive main title to cement their dynasty. After successful the 2020 Copa America and 2022 World Cup, this title can be a trifecta for Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni to enter the World Cup on.
As these two groups meet, right here are some things that might outline the match:
1. Preserve observe of set performs
Throughout Copa America, no group has been higher than Colombia at maximizing their probabilities from lifeless ball conditions. 4 of James Rodriguez’s six assists have come from set performs, utilizing Davidson Sanchez and Rodrigo Munoz as targets to maximise the advandate Colombia has within the air. Whereas Argentina cannot match the Columbian’s dimension, this can be a very bodily group with a superb keeper in Emilano Martinez. Argentina will not be crushed simply in internet, however they need to preserve observe of everybody on Colombia throughout set performs.
When even midfielders like Jefferson Lerma can rise above the protection, there’s a lot variation to how Colombia can arrange. Most groups have one or two chief targets in set piece eventualities, however for Colombia, everybody can damage you. It’s going to be rather a lot to maintain up with, but when anybody can do it, it is Argentina.
2. The battle of the ten’s
If requested who the perfect quantity 10 was in Copa America, the idea can be that it is Messi, however Rodriguez’s manufacturing has far outpaced Messi’s through the match thus far. Messi missed Argentina’s last group stage match with a hamstring harm and solely has one objective and one help within the match. Whereas nonetheless moving into good positions, Messi has been uncharacteristically lacking alternatives to attain, and this harm could possibly be impacting his play. In the meantime, Rodriguez has turned again the clock with a objective and a record-breaking six assists through the match.
The favourite for being Copa America participant of the match, Rodriguez has been capable of drag defenders all around the pitch, giving Luis Diaz the house that he must thrive and protecting Colombia ticking over. Over the course of Rodriguez’s profession, Carlo Ancelotti has been the perfect supervisor at getting probably the most out of Rodriguez, however Nestor Lorenzo is displaying that he is aware of tips on how to use the enigmatic 10 as effectively.
3. Keep out of the enforcer’s means
Whereas Messi does have his bodyguard off the pitch, on it, Rodrigo De Paul is the enforcer for Argentina. Making an attempt to undergo him is usually a nasty thought as he blows up assaults that come his means. As soon as he wins the ball, he is additionally capable of begin the assault by getting it to considered one of Argentina’s proficient creators. How Lorenzo gameplans to get by means of the middle of the pitch is whaat’s going to make or break this sport.
De Paul can be protecting an in depth eye on Rodriguez and Colombia should advance the ball in different methods. With out Munoz, how they will do this can be one thing to observe as Argentina can even be protecting tabs on Diaz on the wing.
How one can watch and odds
- Date: Sunday, July 14 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Onerous Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, Florida
- TV: Fox | Reside stream: Fubo (Strive at no cost)
- Odds: Argentina +125; Draw +200; Colombia +260