It is right here! After a grueling, entertaining and drama-filled month, Sunday night time brings the ultimate of the 2024 Copa America, as defending champions Argentina host Colombia in Miami. Which crew will reign supreme? Will Argentina and Lionel Messi cruise to victory, or can Colombia shock them? (Recreation odds, per ESPNBET, level in the direction of Argentina: they’re favored at -165 to Colombia’s +125.)
If Colombia are going to win, which gamers have to have a press release recreation? And what’s going to Messi do at Arduous Rock Stadium? ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle, Lizzy Becherano and Tim Vickery provide their predictions and expectations for Sunday’s remaining.
1. Who will win, and why will it’s Argentina?
Carlisle: I do not suppose it is going to be Argentina profitable on Sunday! Clearly, Colombia have been pushed to their bodily limits towards Uruguay, however supervisor Nestor Lorenzo additionally maximized his substitutions within the match. James Rodríguez got here off after 62 minutes. Richard Ríos was stretchered off after 61 minutes however was seen dancing afterward, proving that profitable does wonders for a participant’s recuperative powers.
Sure, Argentina are formidable, however because the saying goes, metal sharpens metal, and Colombia will achieve immense confidence from their win over Uruguay. Argentina nonetheless appear like they have not needed to get out of third gear, although Ecuador offered a scare. I believe Colombia simply shade this one.
Becherano: I really suppose Colombia would be the first to beat Argentina this event. La Albiceleste cruised by the group stage, actually not getting examined till their quarterfinal conflict towards Ecuador. Lionel Scaloni’s facet appeared uncomfortable when going through an aggressive opponent, struggling to carry again an keen assault.
Argentina boast an especially succesful set of gamers, however the 2024 Copa America has but to see a stellar, trademark efficiency by the group. Colombia, alternatively, have seen every participant rise to the event at completely different factors of the event to stun probably the most tough opponents. Rodriguez is channeling his kind from the 2014 World Cup whereas Luis Díaz continues to triumph on the left. Ought to Lorenzo’s facet capitalize on their momentum, Argentina can have a tough time overcoming Colombia’s physicality and drive.
Vickery: The concern from the Colombia perspective is how a lot they took out of themselves taking part in the semifinal for thus lengthy with 10 males, which applies extra to Diaz than anybody else. That is clearly an necessary query on condition that they go to Miami with a day much less to relaxation up, but when they’ll recharge their batteries, then I believe Colombia are able to doing it. The self-discipline of the central midfield trio will assist shut Argentina down, and the physicality of the strikers will trigger issues, as will their energy from set items.
Time after time in knockout video games, the Argentina defence has been recognized to break down — it may have value them in Qatar towards France, Holland and Australia and right here towards Ecuador — and even Canada had two golden probabilities within the final 5 minutes. In the future this may value Argentina, and that day could possibly be Sunday.
2. Which model of Messi will we see and what do you count on from him?
Carlisle: Messi’s often razor-sharp ending hasn’t been evident on this event, together with his aim towards Canada one of many nice two-foot putts. However for Colombia, the scary half about that aim is that it could nudge Messi’s confidence simply that little bit larger to get his capturing accuracy recalibrated.
The opposite half is that Messi has been moving into good spots from which to attain. Sure, I understand that is the outdated adage of worrying provided that he is not getting probabilities, however you must suppose that ultimately if that pattern continues these pictures will start to search out the goal. I count on that to return to go. Then it is going to be as much as Colombia keeper Camilo Vargas to do what he can to thwart a legend.
Becherano: Messi’s high quality will proceed to be evident on Sunday because of his distinctive understanding of the sport, spatial consciousness and skill to attract out defenders. Via the age and accidents, Messi has discovered to adapt his type of play to suit the present state. The Argentine ahead is able to far more than we have seen this event, however Colombia ought to count on him to rise to the event.
Argentina’s skill to capitalize on feelings when trying to find motivation can’t be taken flippantly, and Messi is not any completely different. With the criticism of current performances and ideas of his remaining Copa America, the No. 10 can be out in his newly tailored full drive. He won’t outrun defensive counterparts, however he wants solely a minute to encourage the creation and buildup of what could possibly be a lethal aim.
Vickery: We’re watching the sundown of the god. What he does can nonetheless be good, however he does much less of it than he did in Qatar. Some have been shocked that Scaloni left prime scorer Lautaro Martínez out of the crew for the semifinal, however it’s simply defined, and it serves as a recognition from the coach that Messi just isn’t removed from the top at this degree.
Somebody has to do the onerous working. Julián Álvarez can do this and in addition kind an additional participant within the midfield setup when Argentina aren’t in possession. It is rather onerous on Lautaro, however it’s a consequence of Messi slowly dropping the battle towards time. Will probably be fascinating to see how Argentina search to deliver him into the sport towards the organised and bodily imposing Colombians.
3. Which Colombia participant must have recreation if they’re to beat Argentina?
Carlisle: James Rodriguez is the clear candidate, particularly given how lethal he has been from set items, although that will not be sufficient for Argentina to cease him from the run of play. They will want to ensure they do not concede set items in harmful spots.
The defensive facet of the ball can be simply as important. The centre-back tandem of Carlos Cuesta and Davinson Sánchez will should be at their finest to cease Messi and Julian Alvarez if Colombia are to return out on prime.
Becherano: Naturally, all eyes can be on Rodriguez, and Lionel Scaloni ought to plan accordingly, however Camilo Vargas is ready to face the largest problem on Sunday. Ought to he be capable of retain a clear sheet whereas Argentina possess the ball, then Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Jhon Córdoba can confidently play with out the burden of needing to attain a determined late equalizer.
Vickery: Clearly Rodriguez, for the best way he serves as a provide line for Diaz, and, maybe most of all, for the superb supply of his set items.
4. OK, predictions time! Give us the ultimate rating and the way the sport will go!
Carlisle: I am going for 2-0 Colombia, following the same script to the Uruguay recreation (minus the crimson card). A Rodriguez set piece will put the Cafeteros forward, with Cordoba icing it late.
Becherano: I hate to be redundant, however 2-1 Colombia. Unattainable to suppose that Argentina will not be capable of discover the again of the web after their Copa America run, however Colombia can be overpowering.
Vickery: All the time make your predictions after the occasion! But when pushed I am going for Colombia 2-1, presumably with a late surge. One a header from a set piece, the opposite from Diaz on the break.
