Copa America 2024 Final Preview: Colombia and Argentina Battle for Copa America Glory!

As the Copa America 2024 Final approaches this Sunday, anticipation builds for a rematch between Colombia and Argentina, re-lighting the excitement of their previous matches. Colombia, looking to claim another title after winning their first one in 2001, will face an Argentinian team eager to add their 16th championship to become the most successful country in Copa America history.

Adding to the drama of this match is the recent history between these two teams. In the last Copa America in 2021, Argentina and Colombia faced off in a thrilling semi-final with Argentina ending victorious after a penalty shootout. Argentina then went on to win the tournament. Colombia will be looking to avenge their loss and claim another title. With a rich history and intense rivalry, the stage is set for a memorable match.

Road to the Copa America Final:

Colombia:

Colombia entered the Copa America tournament riding a 24-match unbeaten streak. They continued their impressive play in the group stage, finishing at the top of Group D with two wins and a draw, extending their streak to 27 matches. Colombia kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Paraguay and followed it with a 3-0 win against Costa Rica. In their final group stage match, Los Cafeteros drew 1-1 with Brazil. Despite the draw, their ability to score goals at a considerably higher rate than their opponents ensured they finished as group leaders.

Following a less-than-ideal display against Brazil, Los Cafeteros approached the knockout stage with renewed vigor. They dominated their match against Panama in a 5-0 victory sending them to the semi-finals. Colombia emerged victorious over Uruguay in a thrilling match that ended 1-0. The decisive goal came from Jefferson Lerma, assisted by James Rodríguez in the 39th minute. The intense match had the Colombian team at 10 players for the entire second half after Daniel Muñoz was sent off for receiving two yellow cards. Colombia will head into the game against Argentina as the highest-scoring team for the 2024 Copa America with 12 goals in five games.

Key Stats:

Record: 4 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses
Goals Scored: 12
Goals Conceded: 2
Possession: 54.2%
Passing Accuracy: 81.91%
Tackles Won: 107
Saves: 9
Fouls: 76
Yellow Cards: 9
Red Cards: 1

Argentina

Argentina entered the Copa America 2024 with high expectations, looking to go back-to-back after their 2021 championship. In the group stage, they showcased their strength by topping Group A with an impressive three wins. Argentina started their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Canada, followed by a last-minute 0-1 win against Chile. To finish the group stage, La Albiceleste secured a 2-0 win against Peru, finishing the group stage with a perfect record.

In the quarter-finals against Ecuador, Lisandro Martínez scored in the 35th minute to give Argentina the lead for most of the game until Kevin Rodríguez scored in added time to send the game to penalties. Despite Lionel Messi missing his penalty the Argentinian team came out on top 4-2 to further their tournament run.

Argentina entered the semi-final ready to face the Canadian team they had already beaten 2-0 in the group stage. La Albiceleste emerged victorious again, winning 2-0. Julian Alvarez scored in the 22nd minute to give Argentina the lead followed in the 51st minute with a goal from Lionel Messi, his first of the 2024 tournament. In the final minutes of the game Canadian forward Tani Oluwaseyi missed two chances which allowed Argentina to secure their spot to face Colombia in the final.

Key Stats:

Record: 4 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses
Goals Scored: 8
Goals Conceded: 1
Possession: 60.2%
Passing Accuracy: 88.35%
Tackles Won: 97
Saves: 9
Fouls: 53
Yellow Cards: 6

Team News:

Daniel Munoz will be out for Colombia on suspension after receiving two yellow cards in the game against Uruguay.

Key Players

Colombia – James Rodríguez

In 2014, James Rodríguez made his first big international debut in the 2014 World Cup, scoring six goals and winning the Golden Boot. After this, Rodríguez wasn’t able to find large success on the international or club level and his career flatlined.

10 years later Rodríguez has found a way to heighten his play and lead the Colombian team to the final. Not only has he orchestrated play with six assists, but he also found the back of the net himself, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the field. In a crucial match against Uruguay, Rodríguez provided the sole assist, bringing his total to six and surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous record for the most assists in a single Copa America tournament.

Argentina – Lionel Messi

Captain Lionel Messi has been the key for Argentina in their journey to the Copa America final, showcasing his extraordinary talent and leadership. After recording his first goal of the tournament in the semi-final game against Canada, Messi became the only player to score in six consecutive tournaments. Messi’s influence on the pitch has been undeniable, his ability to create opportunities and make crucial passes has been pivotal for Argentina. His exceptional performance has not only inspired his teammates but also solidified his status as one of the greatest players in Copa America history. Messi, who currently plays club for Inter Miami, will head back to Miami, Florida with the Argentinian team to face Colombia.

Copa America Final – Key Statistics

• Colombia are unbeaten in their last 28 games
• Colombia’s last loss was on February 2nd, 2022 to Argentina in the World Cup Qualifiers
• Argentina is 6-1-3 in their last 10 games against Colombia.
  
  So who will be victorious? We’ll find out on Sunday eve!