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South American footballing giants Chile and Argentina face off in the final of the 44th edition of the Copa America on the 4 July in Chile. The match is to be held in the capital, Santiago, at the Estadio Nacional. The Albiceleste are favourites to win the title, and they have shown exactly why they are the same. Meanwhile, the hosts have never won the trophy and have finished runners-up four times, and achieving top four finishes 19 times.
Chile have been in scintillating form this tournament, thanks to the fiery hot form of Arturo Vidal and Eduardo Vargas. The latter’s brace against Peru helped La Roja proceed to the final, and a lot will be expected of him, Alexis Sanchez and Vidal. Meanwhile, Argentina are on a high after obliterating Paraguay by 6-1. The pacy Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero will have a lot of expectations to fulfil in what could be a cracker of a match.
Venue: Estadio Nacional, Santiago (Capacity: 48,665)
Kickoff: The match is scheduled to kick-off at 5 PM local time (8 PM GMT – 1:30 AM IST).
Match Referee: Wilmar Roldan
Probable Lineups
Chile (3-4-3)
Chile will be without the suspended Gonzalo Jara, therefore Eugenio Mena might be his replacement. Gary Medel has been solid at the back, and with the attacking prowess of Vidal and Diaz in midfield, getting the ball to the front three will not be a problem. Isla and Beausejour will primarily play the roles of wing-backs, offering their sheer pace in both attack and defence.
If Sampaoli chooses to be a bit more defensive, Valdivia might be replaced by Charles Aranguiz, pushing Vidal further up front. The superb form of Eduardo Vargas will be a boost, as the Napoli striker has got some serious pace and clinical finishing to trouble the Argentine defence. Alexis Sanchez will have to be at his supreme best and try and outwit his former Blaugrana teammate Javier Mascherano.
Probable XI: Bravo; Albornoz, Medel, Mena; Beausejour, Vidal, Diaz, Isla; Valdivia, Vargas, Sanchez
Argentina (4-3-3)
Argentina’s defence has been one of the better ones this tournament, conceding only three goals. Javier Mascherano’s holding role will be key to Argentina’s success, as the Barcelona man will have to be at his best, winning the ball, sending long clearances and acting as the shield for the defence.
The attacking mind of Pastore will play an essential role, as both Biglia and Mascherano are defence oriented. Messi, who recently said that he was not bothered by his goal drought, may have saved something special for the final. Di Maria will look to continue his superb form throughout the tournament.
Probable XI: Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Otamendi, Rojo; Mascherano, Biglia, Pastore; Di Maria, Messi, Aguero
Key Battles
Eduardo Vargas vs Nicolas Otamendi
Otamendi will have a really tough time in containing Vargas, who has been in astounding form lately. Vargas’ pace, finishing and ball skills will be tested against the Valencia centre half’s perfect tackles, ball retrieving abilities and power in the air.
One place where Otamendi could easily overpower Vargas would be set pieces. Otamendi’s great heading abilities might prevent the Napoli striker from scoring from dead-ball situations. Otamendi will have to be rock-solid and coordinate well with Ezequiel Garay.
Lionel Messi vs Gary Medel
The little magician will be looking to retrieve his shooting boots, and a better moment couldn’t have arrived. He has the chance to win an international trophy with the seniro team, and he could get it in style by scoring. Gary Medel will have to maintain composure and form a solid partnership with Mena and Albornoz, to prevent Bravo from getting in sticky situations.
Medel will be strong in the air, but Messi’s incredible speed, ball control, vision and dribbling might give him a very tough night. He will have to stay alert and make successful interceptions and stop Messi from getting into too much space.
Prediction
This year's final is sure to be a thrilling culmination of the South American tournament. Will Messi finally win one for his beloved home country? Or will Chile end their 99-year longing for a Copa America championship?
Argentina could win this final with Messi finally getting an international trophy to cap an amazing season. However, there is also a chance of going into a shootout where Chile could prevail.
Predicted scoreline: Argentina 2-1 Chile
