Argentina, Colombia set up final for the ages – Sportsnet.ca

Twenty-two days ago, Argentina started the 2024 Copa América with a bang, topping Canada 2-0 in a fervent display of technique, awareness and artistry. Almost a month later, Lionel Scaloni’s squad finds itself in yet another final, this time against the mighty Colombians.

Since the first group match all the way to the end of the semifinals, the 2024 edition of the Conmebol and Concacaf competition has seen shocking upsets, dominant performances and a whole lot of chaos. But now, all the drama is in the past as the two remaining competitors are only focused on lifting the Copa América trophy. 

Read on for everything you need to know about Sunday’s showpiece between Argentina and Colombia.

QUICK HITS

• The 2024 Copa América final kicks off at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday.

• Argentina looks to secure back-to-back crowns as well as an unprecedented 16th title.

• Colombia’s sole Copa América win came in 2001, when it hosted the tournament. 

• Colombia enters the final on a 28-game unbeaten streak. Interestingly, Los Cafeteros’ last loss was to Argentina in February 2022. 

• Meanwhile, Argentina has lost only three of its last 63 matches.

• This is Argentina’s fourth final in the last five editions of the Copa América. 

• In the semifinal against Uruguay, Colombia skipper James Rodríguez broke Lionel Messi’s assist record, with six in a single edition of the tournament. On Sunday, Rodríguez will look to extend this record, while Messi has a chance to level (or even surpass) it.

A DIFFERENT COLOMBIA IS ON DISPLAY

Sunday’s match is set to be a final for the ages. The World Cup winners are up against a team that hasn’t lost in two-and-a-half years, a statistic that’s hard to fathom. And while some might assume it’s a no-brainer to back Argentina, considering its star power and international success, it would be foolish to discount Los Cafeteros. 

The last time Argentina played Colombia was in World Cup qualifiers in February 2022. Lautaro Martínez slotted home the only goal of the game in the 29th minute, but that was a different Colombian team than what we’ve seen of late. Since Néstor Lorenzo took over in June 2022, his side has been clean, crafty and crisp. Its style is the perfect blend of South American aggression and European tactical brilliance, which has catapulted the side into a bracket among the best teams in international soccer. 

Under Lorenzo’s guidance, captain Rodríguez has become unrecognizably solid, while forward Luis Díaz has developed a newfound sharpness. Considering Colombia’s momentum and absolute dominance at the 2024 Copa América, who’s to say it can’t continue and upset the world No. 1? Taking down Uruguay in the semis with 10 men was a statement in itself, and should not be ignored. Even in the face of disaster, Colombia rises to the occasion and finds a way to grind out results.

WILL ARGENTINA MAKE IT THREE FOR THREE?

On the other hand, Argentina has coasted through the tournament. Other than the penalty shootout against Ecuador, La Albiceleste haven’t really been challenged. That will certainly change on Sunday, when Scaloni’s side must come out with more awareness and relentlessness than in past games. It’s not that Argentina isn’t capable of it, we’ve seen it time and time again. It’s just that Argentina’s true brilliance hasn’t needed to be unmasked yet at this summer’s Copa.

A weak spot La Albiceleste could capitalize on is the absence of Colombia’s Daniel Muñoz, who will miss the final after seeing red in the semifinals. His work rate, stamina, tackling prowess and ability to create offensive plays from the backline is what make the defender so special.

Additionally, while Colombia is a strong and technical team like Argentina, Lorenzo’s side isn’t as good at controlling its emotions. Will the pressure and importance of the match get the best of the Colombians, or will it work to its advantage? No matter how that plays out, Argentina has mastered the ability to remain poised and present in tournament finals, which has earned Scaloni’s side the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup. Will Argentina make it three trophies in three years by winning on Sunday evening?

PLAYERS TO WATCH

The Superstar: Lionel Messi, Argentina: Soccer fans will be bursting at the seams to see Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, battle for another trophy. The 37-year-old has recorded only one goal at the tournament, tapping in a shot from Enzo Fernandez in Argentina’s semifinal win over Canada. While the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been battling muscle soreness, he looked fluid against Les Rouges. If the trajectory continues, he’ll be on track to display his leadership and technical mastery in another momentous final.

The Showman: Emiliano Martínez, Argentina: Whether you love or loathe the Argentinian keeper, you can’t deny his brilliance between the sticks. The 31-year-old has the most clean sheets in the competition and the best save percentage of any keeper who made it to the knockouts. The Aston Villa goalie is a master at stopping penalties, and when the reigning World Cup champions didn’t play well, Martínez was there to save the day. Considering Colombia’s creativity and speed on attack, Scaloni’s side should feel relieved having Martínez as its last-chance effort.

The Time Traveller: James Rodríguez, Colombia: Heading into the 2024 Copa América, there wasn’t much expectation placed on Rodríguez’s shoulders. He had a dismal season with São Paulo, and the veteran seemed to be an afterthought for both club and country. However, the 33-year-old reverted to his prime over the past few weeks. He used his crafty left foot and spatial awareness to be the main reason his country advanced to the final.

The Energizer: Luis Díaz, Colombia: If there’s anyone who knows how to energize his teammates and a crowd, it’s Luis Díaz. In true South American style, the Liverpool striker plays with passion and energy that never seems to dwindle. The 27-year-old is always first to the ball and never seems to lose possession. He’s quick up the flank and works diligently to ensure favourable results, which will be necessary against the world champions.

PREDICTED LINEUPS

Colombia (4-2-3-1): Vargas – S. Arias, Sánchez, Cuesta, Mojica – Uribe, Lerma – J. Arias, Rodríguez, Díaz – Córdoba.

Argentina (4-4-2): E. Martínez – Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico – Di María, De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister – Messi, Álvarez.