Copa America: Argentina vs Canada Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

We expect tournament favourites Argentina to reach the final of Copa America, ending the impressive campaign of Canada. The pair have already met in the competition in the first game of the group stages, and we back the same result to occur once more.

Canada have struggled in front of goal, scoring just twice, and will find it difficult to generate chances against a strong Argentine backline, who conceded their first goal of the tournament in the 91st minute of their quarter-final tie against Ecuador. Lautaro Martinez has scored four of the six Argentina goals so far, and will be confident in adding to that tally in this game - Argentina 2-0 Canada

The first semi-final of Copa America will be played between Argentina and Canada, as the tournament favourites take on a team who have surpassed expectations.

• Date: 10/07/2024
• Kick-off time: 01:00
• Venue: MetLife Stadium

Argentina are still on course to win a record-breaking 16th Copa America title as they compete in the semi-final against Canada. It has been a very dominant campaign for the side so far, with three wins and a draw in their four games so far. They topped their group with three wins from three before taking on Ecuador in the quarter-final. However, they were just a couple of minutes away from making it a perfect four from four as Kevin Rodriguez equalised in the 91st minute to take the game to penalties. Lionel Messi missed the first spot kick, but goalkeeper Emi Martinez was the hero, saving two.

They take on a Canada side who have surprised many, making it to the final four in their debut tournament. In a group which included both Argentina and Chile, Canada finished second with a win, draw and loss. This set up a meeting with Venezuela, and after a 1-1 draw, they too survived a penalty shoot-out to advance. They now face a rematch with Argentina.

Goals have been rare for Canada, and this will most likely continue against a strong Argentina defence. In four games, they have scored just twice, and they face a backline who has allowed only one goal. Striker Jonathan David netted the winner against Peru, and will be the Canadians’ go to man once more. He is coming off a strong season in which he scored 19 goals for his club Lille. He also has an excellent international record, with 27 goals in 53 caps.

At the other end, they will have their work cut out to stop Argentina’s numerous dangerous attacking threats. Though, whilst they have struggled offensively, Canada have only conceded four. However, their opponents will be confident in generating many chances for the likes of Messi and Lautaro Martinez to finish. Messi has yet to score in the competition, but Martinez leads the way for all players with four goals. Julian Alvarez has also found the back of the net, with Angel Di Maria and Alejandro Garnacho also waiting in reserve, highlighting the sheer strength in depth manager Lionel Scaloni possesses.

These two sides have met just twice before, the latest being in the group stages of this competition. Argentina were 2–0 winners in the tournament opener, with goals coming from Alvarez and Martinez. The first time they played was in an international friendly back in 2010, which finished 5-0 in Argentina’s favour. Di Maria was involved on that day and also found himself on the scoresheet. This means Canada are looking for their first goal as well as their first win against Argentina.

Argentina vs Canada will be available to watch on Premier Sports 1.

Argentina

Lionel Messi returned against Ecuador after missing the last game of the group stages with a minor injury. A number of players who were rested were also restored to the line-up. Argentina will likely name an unchanged team with no injury concerns.

Canada

Tajon Buchanan suffered a broken tibia in training earlier in the week, so his tournament is over. Canada have no new injury concerns otherwise.

Argentina

In their last five games, Argentina have won four and drawn one. Argentina have been unsurprisingly dominant as they look to retain their Copa America crown. They opened up the tournament with a 2-0 win over Canada in their first group stage game. They were much the superior team in possession, and had plenty of opportunities throughout. However, they were unable to break the deadlock until four minutes into the second half, as Julian Alvarez found the back of the net. It remained this way for most of the half, before Lautaro Martinez doubled the score with two minutes to go.

They continued with another win, this time 1-0 against Chile. Argentina dominated, but could not find a breakthrough until the 88th minute when Martinez netted the winner. It became three wins from three as they beat Peru 2-0. Martinez’s excellent run of form carried on as he scored a second half brace. A 1-1 draw with Ecuador followed in the quarter-finals, as a Kevin Rodriguez 91st minute goal cancelled Lisandro Martinez’s earlier opener. Argentina won the tie 4-2 on penalties, despite Lionel Messi missing his spot kick.

Their preparation for the tournament ended with an emphatic 4-1 win against Guatemala. Their visitors provided an early shock as they went ahead early after Lisandro Martinez converted into his own net. They soon got back on level terms as Messi got himself on the scoresheet. Martinez turned it around before the break with a penalty, and the pair both scored once more in the second half to complete the scoring.

Canada

In their last five games, Canada have won one, lost one and drawn three. It hasn’t been a great stretch for Canada in terms of wins, but they have managed to make it to the semi-finals of Copa America. Their group stage opened with a 2-0 loss to favourites Argentina.

They bounced back well with a 1-0 win over Peru in the second game. Peru were reduced to 10 men after 59 minutes, and Canada took advantage of their extra man with a winner through Jonathan David. A 0-0 draw with Chile was enough to ensure progression to the knockout stages as the second place team in the group. Once more, their opponents had a man sent off, but despite the extra player, Canada could not find a breakthrough.

Venezuela were their opponents in the quarter-finals and it was an even affair. Jacob Shaffelburg put them ahead early on, but this was cancelled out by Salomon Rondon midway through the second half. Neither side could find a winner, sending the tie to penalties, in which Canada prevailed 4-3. The first game of this stretch was their final fixture in preparation for the tournament and it was a 0-0 draw with European giants France. They could not generate much in attack, but held very firm at the back.

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