As the Copa America 2024 final approaches, anticipation is reaching fever pitch with Argentina, the defending champions, set to face Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami.
Argentina
Argentina, the defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament’s history, with 15 titles, came into the final with the confidence of their storied legacy and recent form. They have conceded only one goal throughout the campaign, showcasing a rock-solid defence. Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina are on the brink of making history by potentially matching Spain’s remarkable achievement of winning consecutive continental and World Cup titles over three editions, a feat the European side accomplished in 2008 (Euro), 2010 (World Cup), and 2012 (Euro).
Argentina’s campaign in this Copa America has not been dominant, though, despite their statistics. They faced Canada on two occasions and played fairly weak Peru and Chile sides. They were tested to the hilt against Ecuador in the quarterfinal, where they had to rely on Emi Martinez and his penalty-saving skills to advance to the next round. Lionel Messi has not been at his best form and Scaloni has had to make changes to his playing XI according to the opposition.
Colombia
Colombia, on the other hand, are riding a wave of exceptional form, boasting an impressive 28-match unbeaten streak. Historically, Colombia has played in two previous Copa America finals, with their last appearance in 2001 ending in their only victory. James Rodriguez has been a linchpin for the team, reprising his 2014 World Cup form and consistently delivering standout performances. He seemed to have been reborn with this Copa America, since his recent stints in club football with Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, and Sao Paolo have not been that great. Colombia have scored 12 goals so far and conceded only two.
In late 2023, during the first set of South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Colombia emerged as the only unbeaten team after six challenging matches. They managed to secure a victory over Brazil and held Uruguay to a draw, a team that had previously beaten both Brazil and Argentina. Many had predicted Uruguay to be Argentina’s main competitor this summer, but Colombia dispelled that notion in the semifinals. Despite being down to 10 men for more than half the game, Colombia triumphed 1-0.
Head-to-Head
Argentina and Colombia have met 42 times since their first encounter in February 1945, including numerous Copa America matches and World Cup qualifiers.
Argentina lead the overall series with 23 wins, compared to Colombia’s nine victories and 10 draws. Between 1945 and 1986, Argentina won nine out of 10 matches before Colombia claimed a rare victory in the third-place playoff at the 1987 Copa America.
In recent years, Argentina has maintained its dominance, with Colombia securing just one win in their last 12 encounters since 2007. Despite Scaloni’s team having a strong Copa America record against Colombia, Lionel Messi is yet to score in five Copa matches against them. In their last four Copa America meetings, Argentina have not won in normal time and needed penalty shootouts to progress in 2015 and 2021. The last encounter between in the 2021 quarter-final was a memorable affair, and Martinez emerged as the hero by saving three penalties.
Di Maria and Emotions
The match also carries emotional weight as it marks Angel Di Maria’s final appearance for Argentina. Di Maria, a pivotal figure for the Albiceleste, has announced that he will retire from international football after this tournament. His deep camaraderie with Lionel Messi – who, despite not officially announcing his exit, is in his twilight years as a player – adds a poignant backdrop to the final. Messi and Di Maria won many finals they played together, including the 2007 U-20 World Cup, the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2021 Copa America, and the World Cup in 2022. Di Maria has a unique record with Argentina. In whichever final he has scored, they have won. Notably, when he missed the 2014 World Cup final against Germany, Argentina lost.
¡¡Simplemente GRACIAS, Fideo!!
No se puede decir más… pic.twitter.com/6ywNfRmlFN
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 14, 2024
Prediction
Needless to say, despite Argentina having the superior record in this fixture, based on the current form of both the sides, it will be an even contest and penalties might be required to decide the winner. There will be extra time in the final, unlike in the other knockout fixtures, where it went directly to penalties after regulation time.
MAÑANA. pic.twitter.com/C0MqXkpRC7
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) July 13, 2024