Match Preview
Argentina, chasing a record 16th Copa America triumph, is set to clash with Colombia in a highly-anticipated final at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida this Sunday.
 |
| Credit: ESPN |
This showdown marks the first-ever meeting between these two nations in a Copa America final. Argentina, making their 30th appearance in the ultimate match, progressed from the quarter-finals with a tense penalty shootout win over Ecuador, followed by a solid 2-0 victory against Copa America newcomers Canada in the semis. Their unbeaten streak now stretches to 10 matches across all competitions.
Julian Alvarez opened the scoring in the first half, with Lionel Messi sealing the win with a historic goal in the second half, surpassing Ali Daei to become the second-highest male goalscorer in international football with 109 goals.
Reflecting on their journey, coach Lionel Scaloni emphasized the challenges his team has overcome, labeling their path to the final as anything but easy despite their status as FIFA's top-ranked team. Argentina has a storied history in American tournaments, maintaining an unbeaten record in major knockout matches on American soil since their defeat to Romania in the 1994 World Cup.
 |
| Lionel Scaloni via tuoitrenews |
With the opportunity to claim their 16th Copa America title outright, Argentina heads into the final with high motivation, particularly as it marks Angel Di Maria's farewell match (his 145th cap), while Messi plans to continue beyond this tournament.
Despite Argentina's historical dominance over Colombia, winning 26 out of 43 encounters, including a recent Copa America semi-final shootout victory in 2021, they face a formidable opponent in Los Cafeteros. Colombia enters the final on a remarkable 28-match unbeaten streak (W22 D6) since February 2022, highlighted by a gritty 1-0 semi-final win over Uruguay despite being reduced to 10 men.
Under coach Nestor Lorenzo, undefeated since his appointment in 2022, Colombia prepares for their first Copa America final since their 2001 triumph. Despite being underdogs against Argentina, Colombia's recent form and determination could pose a serious challenge.
The match promises an intriguing battle, with Argentina likely fielding an unchanged lineup and Colombia adjusting due to Daniel Munoz's suspension. Argentina's formidable squad, led by Messi and supported by a solid defense, faces a Colombia side guided by captain James Rodriguez's creative play and a resilient defensive setup.
Opta's supercomputer gives Argentina a 62.9% chance of retaining their title, but Colombia's unbeaten run and hunger for a historic victory ensure a thrilling final awaits. Can Argentina's experience and Messi's magic secure another Copa America crown, or will Colombia upset the odds and claim their second title?
Our Prediction
Argentina 2-1 Colombia
Tags:
Argentina, Colombia, Copa America, Argentina vs. Colombia
1.png)
