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Brazil and Argentina a headed for a mouthwatering semi-final clash in the ongoing Copa America, this Wednesday at the famous Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte as both sides chase continental glory.
Superstar Lionel Messi seems as hungry as ever to end his drought in terms of International trophies with Argentina while the Selecao are under immense pressure to deliver the trophy, being the tournament hosts and the highest FIFA Ranked (No.2) side in the competition.
Both sides were unconvincing in their respective quarter-finals with Brazil scraping through via the penalty shootout against Paraguay and Argentina edging their match against Venezuela 2-0 without controlling large portions of the game
With this in mind, let us take a look at the Best XI from amongst the two teams:
Goalkeeper-Alisson (Brazil and Liverpool)
Liverpool and Brazil shot-stopper Alisson has carried his rich club form to the Copa America and has proved to be an insurmountable colossus in goal for the Selecao, with the hosts yet to concede from open play in the tournament.
Along with centre backs Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, Alisson has kept all opposition attacks at bay and was immense in the quarter-final penalty shootout against Paraguay, pulling off a brilliant save to ensure Brazil won 4-3
Centre Back-Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina and Manchester City)
Nicolas Otamendi has used all his experience to marshal the Argentina defence in this year's Copa America, impressively recovering from a poor first game against Colombia where Argentina went down 2-0.
He has dominated opposition in the last two Copa games for the Albiceleste, forming an impressive partnership with Gabriel Pazzella and will be key to manager Lionel Scaloni if they are to keep out a dynamic Brazil attack in the semi-final.
Centre Back-Thiago Silva (Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain)
34-year-old PSG captain Thiago Silva has been a titanic presence in the heart of Brazil's defence, forming a seemingly unbeatable defensive partnership with club-mate Marquinhos that has blanked all oppositions in the Copa.
Impressive in the air and astute with his interceptions and tackles, the experienced campaigner will have to be at his best to keep out the world class talents of Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi in the semi-final.
Left Back-Nicolas Tagliafico (Argetina and Ajax Amsterdam)
Just like Otamendi, Ajax left back Tagliafico has shown great resilience to come back from a poor performance in the opening game of the Copa against Colombia, to put up impressive performances since then.
He has been a potent outlet in attack as well as rock solid in defence, throwing his body in the line to deny a sureshot goalscoring opportunity to Venezuela forward Solomon Rondon in the quarter-finals. After having had a magical run into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals with Ajax, Tagliafico will be keen to cross the final 4 barrier in this tournament.
Right Back-Dani Alves (Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain)
36-year-old Dani Alves has turned back the clock at this Copa. Case in point-his lung busting run and goal against Peru in Brazil's first group game, where he completed two splendid one-twos with Arthur and Firmino to break into the opposition box and finish with aplomb.
Tite had appointed him squad captain after the injury enforced absence of Neymar and the experienced star has stuck to his task well, showing his leadership both in defence and rallying troops in attack.
Central Midfielder-Rodrigo de Paul (Argentina and Udinese)
Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul seems to be the answer of who will take up the mantle left behind by Javier Mascherano as Argentina's midfield dynamo, making the role his own with impressive displays in the Copa America.
Coming into the side in the second group game after Argentina was overrun in midfield in the opening 2-0 defeat to Colombia, De Paul has brought stability and composure to the Albicelese midfield with his strong, physical displays and eye-catching passing.
Central Midfielder-Arthur Melo (Brazil and FC Barcelona)
22-year-old Barcelona midfield metronome Arthur has made the deep-lying playmaking role his own for the Selecao, expertly pulling strings in the heart of the Brazilian midfield while ensuring fast turnovers with his constant pressing and great engine.
With Brazil lacking the attacking flair that it was known for in the past, it is midfield steel in the form of Arthur and Real Madrid's Casemiro that has seen them dominate the opposition in the Copa America.
Attacking Midfielder-Lionel Messi (Argentina and FC Barcelona)
Lionel Messi has been very effective without scoring or assisting in this Copa America, intelligently drawing away opposition defenders to create spaces for fellow forwards Lautaro Martinez and Sergio Aguero.
The Barcelona and Albiceleste captain was ice cool when it mattered most, dispatching a penalty that earned Argentina a draw in their second group game against Paraguay, also finishing as the man-of-the-match for that encounter.
Attacking Midfielder/Winger-Philippe Coutinho (Brazil and FC Barcelona)
Coutinho has left behind a mediocre season with Barcelona and has shone in the Copa America, registering 2 goals and an assist in 4 games. The ex-Liverpool attacking midfielder scored a sensational brace in Brazil's opening match against Bolivia and was declared the man-of-the-match for the quarter-final against Paraguay as well.
Taking up the mantle of team talisman in the absence of the injured Neymar, the 27-year-old has shown his true potential so far and Brazil's progression past Argentina in the semi-finals will be possible only if the little magician has a great game.
Winger-Everton Soares (Brazil and Gremio)
23-year-old Gremio winger is the only outfield player selected by Tite from the domestic Brasilerao and has validated his selection with scintillating displays down the left wing.
Having scored 2 goals and provided one assist so far, the youngster has justified his inclusion in the squad, ahead of Tottenham Hotspurs' Champions League hero Lucas Moura and Juventus' Douglas Costa.
Striker-Lautaro Martinez (Argentina and Inter Milan)
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has proved to be an ideal foil for Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero to play off of, with his lethal finishing and incisive runs that split open opposition defences.
Having scored 2 poacher's goals so far in the tournament, the 21-year-old has proved himself to Scaloni having shown an uncanny ability to be in the right spot at the right time and score crucial goals.
The full team is as below.
