Copa America: Argentina vs. Colombia Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

This game pits the tournament's leading scorers, Colombia with 12 goals, against the tournament's tightest defence in Argentina, who've conceded just once so far. Based on tournament performance it's the rightful final, with these two teams having been the standouts of the competition.

Ultimately, Argentina just have too much firepower up top for us to confidently back against them, with the tournament's leading goalscorer, Lautaro Martínez, only a bench option for Lionel Scaloni. With Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez adding to that embarrassment of riches, it's hard to imagine Argentina not finding the back of the net at least once and with their excellent defensive record it's hard to look past La Albiceleste winning this trophy once again.

Having won their last two major international tournaments, this team have so much tournament know-how and are probably the most effective tournament team on the planet right now. It should be a fine spectacle, but one we think end in a clear win for Argentina. Argentina 2-0 Colombia.

Argentina and Colombia are set to face off in what promises to be a gripping Copa América final. Both teams have demonstrated their capabilities throughout the tournament, showcasing a blend of talent, strategy, and resilience. Here, we delve into each team's journey to the final and what can be expected in this much-anticipated clash.

• Date: 15/07/2024
• Kick-off time: 01:00
• Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Argentina entered this year's Copa América as the defending champions, having won the tournament in 2021. Their victory two years ago was a significant achievement, and it set the stage for their triumphant World Cup campaign just a year later. These successes have firmly established Argentina as one of the favourites to win this year's Copa América, and they have largely lived up to that billing.

In the group stages, Argentina topped Group A with a perfect record, securing nine points from three matches. Their campaign began with a solid performance, although it was not without challenges. Tight encounters with Canada and Chile tested their mettle, but Lionel Scaloni's men managed to emerge victorious in both matches, with their resilience and ability to navigate difficult situations on full display.

The quarter-final match against Ecuador was a particularly close affair. Ecuador pushed Argentina to their limits, but once again, the Albiceleste found a way to advance. This match underscored Argentina's ability to handle pressure and come through in high-stakes situations.

Key to Argentina's success in this tournament has been their attacking prowess. Strikers Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez have been in excellent form. Martínez has been especially prolific, netting four goals, while Álvarez has added two to his tally. Their contributions have been crucial in Argentina's progression to the final.

Colombia's journey to the final has been a story of resurgence and overachievement. They finished top of Group D, accumulating seven points from their three games against Brazil, Costa Rica, and Paraguay. This performance was commendable, given the quality of their opponents and the expectations placed upon them.

Under the guidance of manager Néstor Lorenzo, Colombia have looked their best since the 2014 World Cup. This is a significant turnaround for a team that has underperformed in recent years. Lorenzo's influence has been transformative, instilling a sense of belief and cohesion within the squad.

A standout performer for Colombia has been midfielder James Rodríguez. Once a forgotten figure in world football, Rodríguez has been reminiscent of his golden days during the 2014 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot. His performances in this tournament have been exceptional, arguably making him the best player of the competition. Rodríguez's vision, creativity, and knack for scoring have been instrumental in Colombia's success.

This final represents a significant milestone for Colombia, as it marks their first appearance in the Copa América final in 23 years. The last time they reached this stage was in 2001, when they also lifted the trophy. For a team with only one Copa América title in their history, the desire to add another is palpable.

The recent head-to-head record between Argentina and Colombia has been closely contested. In their last five meetings, Argentina have edged it with two wins, while Colombia have secured one victory, and the other two matches ended in draws. Their most recent encounter in the Copa América saw Argentina triumph on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

As the final approaches, both teams will be meticulously preparing for what promises to be a thrilling contest. Argentina will look to continue their dominance and add another trophy to their illustrious history. Colombia, rejuvenated under Néstor Lorenzo, will aim to cap their impressive run with a historic victory.

This game will be aired live to all U.K. viewers on Premier Sports 1.

Argentina Team News:

Argentina are coming into this game in the fortunate position of having no injuries or suspensions to contend with. They will, then, likely line up exactly how they did in the semi-final against Canada.

Predicted lineup: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico; Di María, De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez.

Colombia Team News:

Colombia will be without Crystal Palace right-back Daniel Muñoz who is unavailable through suspension after receiving his marching orders in the semi-final against Uruguay. Santiago Arias will likely deputise in his absence.

Otherwise, don't expect any changes to a Colombia side that are firing on all cylinders.

Predicted lineup: Vargas; S. Arias, Sánchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Ríos, Lerma; J. Arias, James, Díaz; Córdoba.

Argentina's Copa América campaign began with a 2-0 win over Canada, a game that was a fairly tricky affair for the reigning champions despite the comfortable-looking scoreline, with the goals coming from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.

That game was followed by another hard-fought win, this time against Chile where a very late goal from substitute Lautaro Martínez secured a vital three points.

Lionel Scaloni's men ended their group stage with a more straightforward encounter where a much-changed starting XI beat a fairly underwhelming Peru side 2-0 with goals thanks to a brace from Lautaro Martínez.

In the quarterfinal, Argentina faced off against Ecuador in what was their toughest test of the tournament so far. Argentina took the lead via a set piece thanks to Lisandro Martínez, but Ecuador fashioned plenty of chances throughout the game and were arguably the better side, missing a penalty in the second half. Kevin Rodríguez notched an injury-time equaliser for Ecuador which took the game to penalties, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez once again proved the shootout hero for Argentina as they won 4-2.

Argentina's semi-final saw them rematch group stage opponents Canada, and the game went exactly the same way as the first but with much less adversity for Argentina who won 2-0 courtesy of goals from Álvarez and Lionel Messi.

Colombia kicked off their tournament with a 2-1 win over Paraguay in what was a competitive fixture, with the goals for the victors coming from Crystal Palace pair Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma.

Colombia's second game of the group stage was much, much more comfortable as they beat Costa Rica 3-0 thanks to a Luis Díaz penalty alongside goals from Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Córdoba in a dominant performance where their opponents could not register a single shot on target.

Colombia's group stage concluded with a 1-1 draw against Brazil where despite falling behind to an exquisite free-kick by Raphinha, Colombia drew level through Muñoz and were largely the better team throughout the game.

Panama were Colombia's quarterfinal opponents and the game was extremely one-sided as they ran out 5-0 winners courtesy of Córdoba, James Rodríguez, Díaz, Richard Rios and Miguel Borja.

In the semi-final, Colombia met Uruguay in what turned out to be an excruciatingly tense encounter. Jefferson Lerma gave Colombia the lead midway through the first half, but Muńoz was sent for an early bath on the stroke of half-time so Colombia were forced to defend a slender lead for the entirety of the second half. Despite wave after wave of Uruguay pressure, Colombia held out to reach a well overdue Copa América final.

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