Argentina vs Colombia: Copa América Final Preview

The highly anticipated clash between title holders Argentina and the exciting and energetic Colombia takes place on Monday. Two giants of the continent battling it out to take all the glory. For Colombia, this is their first Copa América final since 2001, for Argentina this could be the beginning of a routine. I take a look at the impending final as well as the fight for 3rd between Canada and Uruguay.

Canada vs Uruguay - Third Place Play-Off

KO 1am, 14/07

Third place play-offs have always felt quite cruel to me as Canada and Uruguay must relive what could have been in the form of a different final. Fortunately, the Euros doesn't have a fight for third, but both Canada and Uruguay will be looking to end their successful and highly positive tournaments on a high when they go head to head.

It was one step too far for the Canadians as they lost 2-0 to Argentina. Although the scoreline may say otherwise, the Canadians were certainly always in the game. They had 49% possession, 2 less shots than Argentina's 11, 2 big chances and 458 passes, 20 less than La Albiceleste. Les Rouges supporters can see the huge improvement under Marsch by their performance this tournament. Securing 3rd place would be massive for a relatively new global player on the football stage.

Uruguay crashed out to a narrow defeat by Colombia in a cagey match, one where La Celeste had the most joy in the game. A Jefferson Lerma header was the sole difference in the game. Frontman Darwin Nuñéz probably could've scored 3 or 4 if he was more clinical, a consistent criticism of his game. Uruguay made Colombia play in a shadow of their tournament selves, dominating possession but failing to find an equaliser even after Muñoz's sending off. Uruguay had been nearly perfect this tournament and will see the major progress that has been made under Bielsa.

In terms of team news, Canada are mostly fit and raring to go barring the injury to Buchanan. For Uruguay, following several yellow cards and the brawl that ensued at the end of the match, there could be several changes to the starting XI. Ronald Araujo has been ruled out with a muscle injury and Bentancur is a doubt after leaving the field in tears with a suspected leg injury. Additionally, de la Cruz and Varela are both suspended and Nuñéz could also join them if reprimanded for the fighting with Colombian fans. This means Luis Suárez could be recalled to lead the line for La Celeste.

Jack's Prediction:

I don't see this game being a pretty one. Although Uruguay have the better quality on paper, I wonder if the disruption to the starting XI may work in Canada's favour, who have named a mostly unchanged team during the entire tournament. For the Canadians, there will also be more impetus to continue making history by finishing as high as possible. Canada 1-0 Uruguay.

Argentina vs Colombia - The Final

KO 1am, 15/07

A clash of 2 of the most in-form teams of the Copa América this year is a fitting way to end what has been a riveting tournament. Both sides are undefeated in the competition this year, setting up an enticing affair. Argentina will look to make it 16 titles and 2 on the bounce whilst Colombia aim to claim their 2nd title since their only win in 2001 as hosts.

Argentina come into the final as favourites after an undefeated tournament thus far. Apart from a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in the Quarter-finals, La Albiceleste have been flawless and resolute, only conceding 1 goal. They secured their place in the final courtesy of goals from Álvarez and Messi against a plucky Canada side. What has been noticeable this tournament is that Argentina haven't blown away sides but rather controlled matches and kept teams at bay. Defences tend to be a pivotal factor in winning tournaments and the Argentine defence has been solid, complementing the plethora of attacking options further up the pitch.

Colombia will be deemed underdogs heading into the final but they certainly cannot be ruled out from winning. Los Cafeteros have been scintillating this tournament, scoring goals for fun and playing sensational football. The Semi-final against Uruguay was by far their worst performance of the tournament, but they showed courage and desire going down to 10-men to get over the line for a mouthwatering tie with La Albiceleste. As I've mentioned previously, since not qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, the attitude of Colombia has been first-class. It is evident they are determined to bring the trophy home. As my former lecturer and one of the inspirers of El Chumbazo Dr Pete Watson eluded to on These Football Times podcast "Néstor Lorenzo and the renaissance of Colombia", there has been "a black hole" in Colombian international football since their 2001 win until 2014. This team is beginning to conjure superb performances and could be unstoppable, ironically under an Argentine manager! (Listen to the podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/761szM1AFsG4lWzO7XCFaR?si=eca18681ab45434f).

Both sides will be near full strength for the final barring the suspension of Daniel Muñoz who received 2 yellow cards in the Semi-final against Uruguay. Santiago Arias would be the likely replacement for the Crystal Palace man at right-back.

Jack's Prediction:

This is set to be a hotly contested final with both teams gunning for the title. Argentina will need to ensure they don't lose control of the match as this will work in Colombia's favour, who thrive under fast-paced turnovers and space in behind. I believe this could be a game decided by special moments from key individuals such as James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, Lionel Messi or Julian Álvarez. Also, I think the more this game lasts, the more belief Colombia will get. An early goal from La Albiceleste could shutdown the game, allowing them to manage Los Cafeteros who will throw everything at them for an equaliser. However, with all being said, Colombia have been building an unstoppable momentum which may surprise Argentina who have had a relatively straightforward draw to get to the final. I have both Colombian and Argentine friends but I'm backing Colombia to spring a surprise on Monday (Os pido perdón mis queridos boludos argentinos, pero vamos mis parces colombianos!). Argentina 1-2 Colombia. Colombia to win La Copa América.