* PRE-MATCH ANALYSIS
The 2024 Copa America final, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida (USA), is expected to fill the stadium to 80,120 spectators, with the majority being fans of Argentina and Colombia. The immense popularity of star player Messi has ensured that every match involving the Argentinian team has sold out throughout the tournament.
Will Messi shine and lift the World Cup trophy with the Argentine national team once again?
Argentina's journey to the final was relatively easy, as they were placed in a relatively favorable bracket with mostly weaker opponents. The real challenge for Messi and his teammates came only in the quarter-final against Ecuador, where they had to go through a tense penalty shootout, winning 4-2 thanks to the skill of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who saved two penalties, after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Previously, in all three group stage matches and the semi-final against Canada, the Argentine team won easily and did not concede a single goal. Specifically, in the group stage, Argentina defeated Canada 2-0, and this score was repeated when the two teams met in the semi-finals, winning against Chile 1-0 and Peru 2-0.
Striker Lautaro Martinez scored 4 goals in these matches, while Julian Alvarez scored 2, and Messi and center-back Lisandro Martinez each scored 1 goal in the remaining 2.
Meanwhile, the Colombian team was in Group D, a tough bracket. After winning their first two matches against less formidable opponents, Paraguay (2-1) and Costa Rica (3-0), "La Tricolor" delivered a convincing performance, drawing 1-1 in a dramatic match against the powerhouse Brazil . This secured them first place in the group, advancing to the quarterfinals where they convincingly defeated Panama 5-0, before going on to beat the other title contender, Uruguay, in the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory despite playing with only 10 men.
These results helped the Colombian team extend their unbeaten record to 28 consecutive matches, making them a worthy opponent for Argentina and star player Messi in the final.
James Rodriguez (10) will challenge Messi
However, in the final, the Colombian team will be without key defender Daniel Munoz (who received a red card in the match against Uruguay). Santiago Arias will most likely replace him to join Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, and Johan Mojica in the back four.
In midfield, "La Tricolor" boasts a star-studded lineup including James Rodriguez, who set a record with 6 assists and 1 goal, alongside Luis Diaz and Jhon Arias, and Jefferson Lerma, the hero who scored the only goal in the victory against Uruguay. In attack, striker Jhon Cordoba is guaranteed a starting spot.
On the Argentinian side, coach Scaloni will most likely make no changes to the lineup from their last match, a 2-0 victory against Canada in the semi-finals. The core will consist of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defenders Tagliafico, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nahuel Molina, midfielders Mac Allister, De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Di Maria, and forwards Alvarez and Messi.
In the 2024 Copa America final, if the two teams are tied after 90 minutes of regulation time, they will play two extra time periods of 15 minutes each. If still tied, the two teams will proceed to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. The Copa America 2024 champion will receive the trophy, gold medals, and a prize of $16 million USD. The runner-up will receive silver medals and a prize of $7 million USD. There will also be individual awards such as Best Player, Top Scorer, and Best Goalkeeper.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chung-ket-copa-america-2024-argentina-0-0-colombia-cho-messi-nang-cup-vo-dich-185240714183210679.htm
