The Copa America tournament has come and gone very quickly, and although we have a 3rd place match on Saturday, let’s focus on the Title Match happening on Sunday. Argentina and Messi take on James Rodriguez and Colombia in a South American showdown in Florida! Messi will be playing on his home field at Hard Rock Stadium as Argentina looks to lift their 16th Copa America Trophy.
On the flip side, Colombia has not won since 2001, and that was their only title. They finished 2nd back in 1975, but other than that, this is just their 3rd trip to the Copa America Title Match. They have multiple third place finishes, including in 2021 and 2016, yet here they are so close to the trophy.
Let’s take a look at how these teams got here!
Road to the Copa America 2024 Final
Can Lautaro Martinez and Argentina hoist another trophy this year?
Argentina’s Path
In 5 matches of this Copa America tournament, Argentina has allowed just one goal. They made it all 3 Group Stage matches without conceding, and although they have yet to score 3 goals in one game, they look rock solid from front to back. The 2021 Copa America Champions, as well as they 2022 World Cup Champions made light work of their group, shutting out all 3 teams.
- 2-0 vs Canada
- 1-0 vs Chile
- 2-0 vs Peru
They went on to face Ecuador in the Quarterfinals, and narrowly advanced on PKs, while seeing Canada a second time in the Semifinals, beating them 2-nil once again.
- 1-1 vs Ecuador (PKs)
- 2-0 vs Canada
Argentina is clearly the team to beat, but they will finally have a true test against Colombia. The number one team in the world has only had to face teams ranked 30th, 31st, 40th, and 48th. Colombia comes in ranked 12th in the world, having played 4th ranked Brazil, and having beaten 14th ranked Uruguay. Argentina has not been more battle tested in this tourney.
Can James Rodriguez lead Colombia to the Copa America Title?
Colombia’s Path
Colombia certainly had the harder path. They won Group D with 7 points, playing Brazil to a nil-nil draw, knowing they just needed a point to clinch the group. Colombia had no problem scoring the ball, and also did a great job keeping their opponents at bay.
- 2-1 vs Paraguay
- 3-0 vs Costa Rica
- 0-0 vs Brazil
Two wins, and a draw that secured the top of the group, exactly what Colombia wanted. They went on to make very light work of Panama who ended up edging out the United States for 2nd place in Group C, only to get routed by Colombia. Next up, they played a hard fought match with Uruguay, eventually winning even though they suffered a red card in the first half.
- 5-0 vs Panama
- 1-0 vs Uruguay
Now, they find themselves with a chance to take down Argentina in the Copa America Final. But it will be a tall task.
Will Messi Add to His Trophy Collection?
Can anyone stop Messi and Argentina from winning the Copa America?
Matchup Information – Argentina vs Colombia
- Venue & Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)
- Date: Sunday, July 14th, 2024
- Kick Off: 8:00pm Eastern
- Where to Watch: FOX
Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of BetOnline.
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Money Line
- Argentina +116
- Draw +190
- Colombia +340
Draw No Bet
- Argentina -210
- Colombia +175
Total
- Over 2 (+105)
- Under 2 (-125)
To Lift the Cup
- Argentina -180
- Colombia +155
Will Short Handedness Hinder Colombia?
Daniel Munoz was given a red card in the Semifinal against Uruguay
Daniel Munoz, starting right back for Colombia, will miss the Title match against Argentina. He picked up two yellow cards, resulting in a red in the semifinals, thus expelling him from this contest. Not only does this hurt Colombia’s back line, but Munoz also has two goals and an assist for his country this tournament. While Colombia can certainly generate chances from other players, that production mixed with solid defense is hard to replace. And I think Argentina certainly has the pieces to take advantage.
Their offense is not quite as electrifying as we’ve come to expect, but Argentina has still netted goals in every match and are showing no signs of slowing down. Lautaro Martinez has 4 goals in 5 matches for them in the Copa America, and as a team they have scored in the first half in two straight matches.
After narrowly escaping in penalty kicks against Ecuador, Argentina did not mess around with Canada. They came out flying, netting a goal within 22 minutes, and Messi scoring his first of the tournament shortly into the second half. I see them taking advantage of a weaker Colombian back line, and ultimately winning this match. Again, there is no extra time in the Copa America, and matches will go straight to PKs after 90 minutes, but most bets end in regular time anyways.
In the 2019 Copa America, Colombia beat Argentina 2-0 in the opening match of group stage. They played to a 2-2 draw in 2021 in a World Cup Qualifier, and Argentina advanced on PKs in their 1-1 draw in the 2021 Copa America semifinals. Most recently, Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in a World Cup Qualifier before winning the 2022 tournament. There is plenty of history between these two countries, and they settle it all on the pitch on Sunday.
Copa America 2024 Final: Argentina vs Colombia Best Bets
Emiliano Martinez has allowed just 1 goal in 5 matches this Copa America
Copa America 2024 Title Prediction: Argentina 1-0 (+500)
Best Bets: Argentina ML (+116) BetOnline
The odds will tell you this is Argentina’s match to lose, as this entire tournament has been. They are above and beyond anyone they’ve faced, but Colombia will put up a fight. I see this being scoreless for the first 60-70 minutes, with Argentina eventually breaking through for a late winner, probably off the foot of Lautaro Martinez.
In the Copa America Final, 3 of the last 4 matches have gone under 2 goals, with all 3 involving Argentina. They lost to Chile in PKs in both 2015 and 2016 after 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, and beat Brazil 1-0 in 2021. Argentina has not been blowing opponents out, and with Colombia missing their right back, I see them having to play a bit more conservative.
If I’m wrong, and they try to tear the Argentinian back line apart, they lead themselves open to the counter attack led by the best player in the world. Argentina should have no problem controlling possession and creating plenty of chances, and of course I see Emi Martinez having another stellar performance on the big stage. This has always been Argentina’s tournament to win, and I see them doing so in 90 minutes on Sunday.
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