Copa America
Argentina vs. Italy Super Cup: All You Need to Know
There is currently no one-off match competition in international football. However, the European Football Associations and the South American Football Organizations have agreed to hold a competition between the continental champions. As a result, the winners of the Copa America 2021 and the UEFA EURO 2020 champions will meet in a championship match next year. The match will take place in June 2022 if all goes as planned. The initial details of Argentina vs. Italy Super Cup match are discussed in this article.
Read:South America World Cup 2022 Qualifiers: Argentina, Brazil to face Uruguay in October
The Preliminary Specifics of Argentina vs. Italy Super Cup match
On September 28, UEFA announced its agreement with the South American football organization to hold a competition between the two continental champions. Since Italy won the Euro 2020 and Argentina won the Copa America 2021, they will face off in the inaugural edition of the competition in June 2022. However, the venue and the date of the match have yet to be announced.
UEFA stated in a media release that the two organizations' agreement presently covers three editions of this match between their respective continental winners, as well as the establishment of a joint office in London to manage projects of mutual interest. Women's football, futsal, junior categories, referee exchanges, and technical training programs will be incorporated into the partnership between the two continental bodies.
Read:Ballon d'Or 2021: Five favorites to win the coveted award
Argentina vs. Italy Super Cup: Who is favorite to win the Match?
Argentina and Italy are two of the most powerful football nations in the world. They have faced off 15 times in a head-to-head contest. Italy have won five games, four by Argentina, and four have finished in a draw. In their last meeting, Argentina won 2-0 in a friendly match against Italy in 2018 at Manchester's Etihad Stadium.
Argentina have won 17 major international tournaments, including two World Cups (1978 and 1986). On the other hand, Italy have won six major titles, including four World Cups (1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006).
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Argentina won the Copa America for the first time in 28 years last July, defeating Brazil in the final by a score of 1-0. Prior to this tournament, Argentina had won the Copa America in 1993.
On the other hand, last July, Italy won the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament for the second time, overcoming England in the final on penalties. Italy won its first European Championship in 1968.
Considering the overall strength of both teams, it can be predicted that Italy is going to dominate Argentina. Though Italy have some of the finest players in the world, Argentina have great team chemistry. Argentina's team is capable of thriving against any opponent despite its lack of quality in the squad. However, the Super Cup will be a one-off contest, thus the team that performs best on the day will likely be the winner.
Read:Man Utd vs. Villarreal: Cristiano Ronaldo’s late goal gives Manchester United a dramatic win
Bottom Line
The details of the inaugural edition of the competition between the two continental champions will be announced later by UEFA and CONMEBOL. According to some sources, Argentina vs. Italy Super Cup match will be named after football legend Diego Armando Maradona. The main purpose of this match is to enhance the tie between the two continental boards. Because no other team has won the World Cup outside of these two continents. Many believe that the actual motive for this movement is to form a powerful ally against FIFA. Because FIFA prefers to have World Cup tournaments every two years, but UEFA and CONMEBOL are both opposed to the idea.
Maradona Super Cup: Argentina vs. Italy
We are all familiar with a one-off contest between the champions at the club level. However, international football does not have such a competition, with the exception of the confederations cup, which is contested every four years. A 'Super Cup' between the Copa America 2021 and UEFA EURO 2020 winners is now being proposed. If all goes according to plan, we may see a match between South America and European football champions later this year. The Maradona Super Cup would be the name of the trophy. The Prediction of the one-off tie between Argentina vs. Italy is discussed in this article.
Argentina vs. Italy: Who is favorite to win Maradona Super Cup?
Argentina and Italy are two of the world's football superpowers. So, they always enter any competition as title contenders. Argentina have won 17 major trophies at the international level, including two World Cups (1978 and 1986). On the other side, Italy, have won six major trophies, including four World Cups (1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006).
Argentina and Italy have met each other 15 times in a head-to-head battle. Italy have won five times, Argentina have won four times, and four games have ended in a tie. Argentina haven't lost a match against Italy since 1987.
Read:Ballon d'Or 2021 Predictions: Lionel Messi in Pole Position to Win the Coveted Award
They have met five times in the World Cup. Argentina won a match against Italy at the 1990 World Cup, while Italy have won two matches against Argentina. In their last meeting on March 23, 2018, Argentina defeated Italy 2-0 in a friendly match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
Argentina have won the South American Championship for the first time in 28 years, beating Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America 2021 final. Argentina had previously won the Copa America in 1993. Argentina appeared in five finals despite failing to win a trophy in the previous three decades, including four Copa America (2004, 2007, 2015, and 2016) and the 2014 World Cup.
Read:Euro 2020: Police investigate racist abuse of 3 England footballers
On the other side, Italy have won the European Championship for the second time after defeating England in a penalty shootout in the Euro 2020 final. Italy won its first European Championship in the year 1968. Aside from that, the Italian national team were having a difficult time following their 2006 World Cup victory. They have gained a lot of confidence after winning a major tournament for the first time in 15 years.
Given the overall strength of the two squads, Italy will edge over Argentina. Because Italy have some of the best footballers in the world while Argentine have a fantastic team understanding. Led by Messi, the relatively less talented Argentina team is capable of flourishing against any opponent.
Read:EURO 2020 Final: Italy Seal European Football Championship
Because the Maradona Super Cup will be a one-off affair, the side that can perform at its best on any given day will be crowned champion. The ideal playing XI for both teams if the match is held in the near future.
Probable Starting XI (Argentina)
Emiliano Martinez (GK), Molina, Pezzella, Tagilafico, Romero, Rodríguez, Paredes, Di María, Gómez, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez
Probable Starting XI (Italy)
Donnarumma (GK), Di Lorenzo, Spinazzola, Chiellini, Bonucci, Jorginho, Barella, Verratti, Chiesa, Insigne, Immobile
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Verdict
In honor of the late football legend Diego Armando Maradona, the proposed Maradona Super Cup between Argentina and Italy will most likely be held in the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples. The associations of European Football and South American Football are already in talks to arrange a date for the showdown between the Copa America 2021 and UEFA EURO 2020 champions. Italy will be a strong candidate to win the one-off contest as they have a more balanced squad than Argentina. However, Lionel Messi's Argentina will do everything to win the tie as a homage to Diego Maradona. It will definitely be a fascinating contest.
Read Copa America 2021 Final: Di Maria’s Early Strike Sinks Brazil
Copa America 2021 Final: Di Maria’s Early Strike Sinks Brazil
Argentina clinched the Copa America 2021 after beating Brazil 1-0 on Sunday (11th June) in front of nearly 5,000 spectators at the Maracana Stadium. Albiceleste adopted a cautious approach to the game after Di Maria gave them an early lead while Brazil did their best to cut the lead but were unable to do so due to a determined Argentine defense.Messi had a golden opportunity to score in the final towards the end of the match but instead blew it because he couldn't keep control of the ball. The match report of the Copa America 2021 final is discussed in this article.
Read:Messi’s Argentina beats Brazil 1-0, wins Copa America title
Match Report of Copa America 2021 Final: Argentina vs Brazil
Argentina won the Copa America for the first time in 28 years courtesy of Angel Di Maria's stunning first-half goal.Argentina took an early lead in the 22nd minute of the final match at the iconic Maracana Stadium as veteran attacking midfielder Angel Di Maria put the ball into the Brazil net after receiving a perfect cross from midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.
Before Di Maria's goal, both teams tried to play a little more carefully. But after falling behind by one goal, Brazil began to dominate the game and had complete control of the ball. They were creating opportunities, but a tenacious Argentine defense denied them.
Read:Brazil and Argentina both have keys to win Copa America
Brazil ramped up the heat in the second half and despite putting all of their best-attacking players on the field they were unable to equalize against an Argentine defense led by two great midfielders, Rodrigo de Paul and Paredes.
Messi was unusually silent throughout the contest. He squandered a wonderful opportunity to put the game away from Brazil with two minutes left in the game. However, Brazil were unable to score in the end, and Argentina won the championship.
Read Euro 2020 final: Italy holds historical edge over England
Messi finished as a joint top scorer with 5 goals and won the best player award along with Neymar.
The referee issued nine yellow cards In the Copa America 2021 final. Brazil got four yellow cards, while Argentina received five.
This was Brazil's first competitive loss since the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia when they were defeated by Belgium while Argentina have gone undefeated in 20 games under head coach Lionel Scaloni.
Read: Brazil and Argentina clash in a soccer final for 5th time
Bottom Line
Argentina won their record 15th Copa America championship thanks to an early goal by Angel Di Maria. Neymar's Brazil put forth a valiant effort throughout the match, but the Argentine defense held firm for the majority of the time, and Brazil was unable to score. This is Argentina's first major trophy in almost three decades.
Prior to this year's edition, they last won the Copa America in 1993. Football sensation Lionel Messi also earned his first major title with the Argentine national team after appearing in five finals, including four Copa America and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Copa America 2021 had seen some incredible individual performances, and the best team ultimately won the tournament.
Read Copa America 2021: Lionel Messi vs Neymar da Silva
Brazil and Argentina both have keys to win Copa America
Brazil and Argentina have several keys that could see either team win the Copa America title on Saturday at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Led by a Barcelona -style Lionel Messi, Argentina players appear convinced they will put an end to a 28-year title drought. Its opponent Brazil looks even better than two years ago when it lifted Copa America without Neymar and with fans on the stands.
Brazil seeks its 10th South American title, while Argentina is going for its 15th, which would put it level with record winners Uruguay.
Here are some reasons why both teams have what it takes to win the title.
ARGENTINA
MESSI: the team captain is playing his best tournament with Argentina since his debut in 2005. He’s scored four goals and has five assists so far. Beyond his playmaking virtues, the 34-year-old is looking comfortable as a leader on the pitch — in a contrast with the shy Messi of past tournaments.
EMILIANO MARTÍNEZ: he is the first goalkeeper to stop three penalties in a shootout in Argentina’s history. Against Colombia, he trash-talked his opponents before each shot, which apparently worked. He looks safe in the position, has a good footwork and blocks crosses with precision.
Also read: Brazil and Argentina clash in a soccer final for 5th time
LIONEL SCALONI: The young coach took over as an intern in 2018 to leave behind Argentina’s meltdown in the 2018 World Cup when the team lost to France in the round of 16. Now he is responsible for a renewal to team players like defender Cristian Romero, winger Nicolás González and goalkeeper Martínez.
LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ: The striker nearly lost his position to veteran Sergio Agüero after a slow start in the tournament, but he has now scored in the last three matches. He tires opponents with his runs, opens gaps for Messi and still scores some goals.
PROTECTION TO MESSI: Rodrigo de Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are not the most creative midfielders in the world. But they are still high-level passers who will sacrifice defending so Messi can shine in the final third. Leandro Paredes and Guido Rodriguez also take that responsibility in the center, no matter who is playing.
BRAZIL
STEADINESS: Brazil won five matches and drew against Ecuador when it fielded a team with six substitutes. So far, the Selecao has scored in every match and conceded only two goals in the group stage. It usually plays better in the second half, when most of its opponents are fatigued. Substitutes have managed to keep the team’s intensity high when they join in.
Also read: Copa America 2021: Lionel Messi vs Neymar da Silva
NEYMAR: His dribbles, passes and shots add to Brazil’s steadiness. Neymar scored two goals and had three assists in five matches — he was rested against Ecuador. His exchanges with midfielder Lucas Paquetá made Brazil more fluid up front. As Neymar showed against Peru in the semifinal, he can still come up with tricks that result in goals.
TITE: Brazil’s coach has used the tournament to test playing alternatives, eyeing the World Cup in Qatar. As a result, his team depends less on Neymar and adapts well to different situations. By using Gabriel Jesus as a winger, he created opportunities for new players to step up as target men, including Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Barbosa. Tite has also found Paquetá as a promising box-to-box player.
DEFENDERS: Veteran Thiago Silva is still in top form, Marquinhos is as quick as most strikers and Éder Militão has proven to be a potential Brazil starter in the long run. The two goals Brazil conceded at Copa America came on an unstoppable volley by Luis Diaz against Colombia and by Angel Mena in a rare mistake against Ecuador.
Brazil and Argentina clash in a soccer final for 5th time
Brazil and Argentina will face off for the fifth time in a tournament final when they determine which team will carry the Copa America trophy out of the Maracana Stadium on Saturday. Brazil holds a 3-1 edge in their 84-year history of matches.
Here is how those finals went:
1937 COPA AMERICA: Argentina 2, Brazil 0
The Copa America format was a round-robin tournament and was supposed to have no final. But in 1937 the two arch-rivals finished level with eight points each, and instead of considering goal difference to pick the winner, Brazil and Argentina agreed to play for the trophy. The match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes at the Gasómetro, the old stadium of San Lorenzo in Buenos Aires. Argentina won its fifth continental title in extra time with two goals by Vicente de la Mata.
READ: Brazil and Argentina clash in a soccer final for 5th time
2004 COPA AMERICA: Brazil 2, Argentina 2 (Brazil wins on penalties)Argentina’s win seemed all but certain as the match at the Estadio Nacional in Lima ticked down. Argentina had opened the scoring with Christian Gonzalez from the spot, saw Luisão equalize in the end of the first half, but a shot by César Delgado three minutes before the end had then defending World Cup champions Brazil nearly knocked out. But striker Adriano scored on the last shot of the match to send the match to penalties. Brazil’s goalkeeper Julio César stopped Andrés D’Alessandro and Argentina’s Gabriel Heinze missed his chance from the spot. Juan scored the decisive penalty for Brazil, which won Copa America for the seventh time.
2005 CONFEDERATIONS CUP: Brazil 4, Argentina 1
Brazil eliminated host Germany in the semifinals while Argentina knocked Mexico out and the archrivals met in a final that many expected to be close. It wasn’t. Brazil thrashed Argentina despite Robinho replacing the injured Ronaldo. Adriano scored the first goal with a blast from outside the box in the 12th minute. Kaká found the back of the net from nearly the same position only five minutes later. Ronaldinho, the best player in the world at the time, netted the third in the 48th minute from close range and Adriano finished the rivals off with a header in the 64th minute. Pablo Aimar scored Argentina’s only goal.
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2007 COPA AMERICA: Brazil 3, Argentina 0
Argentina was widely expected to win the South American tournament that year. At age 20, Lionel Messi played the final in Maracaibo with Juan Román Riquelme and Carlos Tevez up front, but could not make a difference for the favorites. Brazil scored with Júlio Baptista, an own goal by Roberto Ayala and then Dani Alves. It was the Seleção’s second consecutive title in the tournament. It was also Messi’s first disappointment with Argentina in tournament finals.
Copa America 2021 Match Preview: Argentina vs Brazil Final
The semifinal round of the ongoing South American Championship came to an end on Wednesday (July 7) morning. Brazil eliminated Peru 1-0 in the first semifinal, while Argentina defeated Colombia 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the second semifinal.We will be witnessing an Argentina vs Brazil final for the first time in 15 years on Sunday, July 11th at 6 a.m. (BST). They last met in a final in 2007, where Brazil crushed Argentina 3-0 in the Copa America. Prediction of the Argentina vs. Brazil final of this year’s Copa America tournament is discussed in this article.
Read:Copa America 2021: Martinez the Hero as Argentina Advance to Final
Argentina’s Chances of Winning the Copa America 2021
Argentina is often considered one of the world's greatest footballing nations. So, they've always been a favorite in any major tournament. They haven't won a major championship since 1993 despite reaching the 2014 World Cup final and South American championship finals in 2004, 2007, 2015, and 2016.
Argentina should win this year's championship in tribute to Lionel Messi as it is almost certain that this will be his final Copa America competition and, realistically, his last chance to win a major title with Argentina. That's why the Argentine team will be pumped up to win Copa America this time.
Read Euro 2020 final: England can finally end 55 years of misery
Argentina's defense is fragile as usual, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's heroic performance against Colombia in the semifinal helped Argentina reach the final, and he will give them extra confidence ahead of Argentina vs Brazil final. They have some talented strikers and midfielders. Among them are Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, and Lautaro Martinez, all of whom are world-class players.
One of the most essential things is consistency. Argentina were shaky at first, but they have subsequently played with a lot of confidence in the ongoing competition. Moreover, this group of players firmly believes they can finally win Copa America.
The main worry is that Argentina are unable to cope with the strain of the final. They will have to play smart in the final to win the South American Championship for the first time in 28 years.
Read Italy beats Spain on penalties, reaches Euro 2020 final
Key Players Who Could Make the Difference
Emiliano Martinez (GK), Lionel Messi (Goals: 4; Assists: 5), LautaroMartínez (Goals: 3), Alejandro Darío Gómez (Goals: 2), Angel Di Maria
Probable Starting XI
Emiliano Martinez (GK), Tagilafico, Romero, Molina, Pezzella, Rodríguez, Di María, Paredes, Lionel Messi, Gómez, Lautaro Martinez
Read:Argentina advances on penalties to Copa final against Brazil
Brazil’s Chances of Winning the Copa America 2021
The defending champion Brazil will be the favorite against Argentina in the championship match. This Brazilian team features a lot of standout players who may create a real problem on the opposition defense.
The Brazilian team is quite strong in every department. Brazil will win the South American Championship if they can play sensibly in the final against arch-rival Argentina.
Neymar is at the center of the Brazilian attack. They generally attack the opponent's area while keeping the ball in their possession. Taking control of the game against Brazil is always difficult for the opposing side.
Read Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar: Who Has Acquired Most International Achievements?
Neymar, Ederson, Paqueta, Casemiro, and Captain Thiago Silva are playing well for the Brazilian national side. The Seleção have done well so far in this competition. They had shown more promise in the semifinal encounter against Peru, despite winning by a lone goal. This performance will certainly boost their confidence ahead of the Argentina vs Brazil final.
Key Players Who Could Make the Difference
EdersonMoraes (GK), Neymar (Goals: 2; Assists: 3), Lucas Paqueta (Goals:2), Everton Soares (Assists: 1), Fred (Assists: 1)
Probable Starting XI
EdersonMoraes (GK), Thiago Silva, Danilo, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro, Everton, Casemiro, Richarlison, Fred, Gabriel Jesús and Neymar
Read:Brazil edges Peru to reach Copa America final
Verdict
The Argentina vs Brazil final will take place at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, and the football world is anticipating an exciting contest between these two teams. Neymar's Brazil won the Copa America 2019 tournament and will be a strong contender to defend their title. Interestingly, only Lionel Messi is competing in this year's South American Championship among the players from both teams that competed in the 2007 edition. Messi's last genuine chance of winning a major tournament with Argentina is likely to be this one. So, they will play their hearts out to win the competition.
Read Argentina beats Ecuador at Copa, plays Colombia in semifinal
Brazil, Argentina fans fight in B’baria, 4 injured
Bangladeshi football fans of arch rivals Brazil and Argentina attacked each other in the district’s Sadar upazila on Tuesday, leaving at least four people injured, police said.
The clash originated from a scuffle between Rezaul, a Brazil fan and Jibon, a supporter of Argentina over Brazil’s 1-0 seminal-final win over Peru to reach the Copa America final.
Read: 30 more held over clashes in Brahmanbaria
The match was being played at Brazil’s iconic Maracana stadium thousands of kilometres away from Dhamchail Bazar of Sadar upazila, the centre of the fighting.
The early morning scuffle enraged dozens of fans from both sides leading to a bigger fight at 8:30 pm Tuesday, injuring four people who were later taken to hospital, said Mohammad Emranul Islam, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station.
Read: Clashes in Brahmanbaria leave five dead
The injured were identfiied as Nawab Mia, 60, Zakir Mia, 32, Selim, 45 and Syedabur Rahman, 35. They were taken to local hospital, police said.
Clashes between crazy fans of Argentina and Brazil often make headlines in Bangladesh and abroad when the two popular teams play in the World Cup.
Copa America 2021: Martinez the Hero as Argentina Advance to Final
Argentina have advanced to the Copa America 2021 final after defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout in the early morning of Wednesday (7th July) in Brasilia. After taking an early lead in the contest, Albiceleste struggled throughout the match against Colombia, and within the first 20 minutes of the second half, Colombia had equalized. The match finished in a 1-1 draw, and the winner was determined in a penalty shootout, which Argentina won 3-2 to proceed to the final. The match report of the second semifinal of Copa America 2021 is discussed in this article.
Match Report: Argentina vs Colombia
Argentina advanced to the Copa America 2021 final after holding their nerve from the penalty spot to beat Colombia 3-2 in a shootout after a thrilling 1-1 draw at the end of Wednesday's second semifinal.
The Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was the match's hero, saving three penalties in the penalty shootout. Martinez saved penalty kicks from Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina, and Edwin Cardona. On the other hand, Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredes, and Lautaro Martinez all scored from the penalty spot to send Argentina to the final.
Read:Argentina advances on penalties to Copa final against Brazil
Argentina haven't won a major tournament since 1993, thus this will be another excellent opportunity for Messi and Argentina to win a big championship.
Lionel Messi had played in 149 international matches for Argentina before this encounter. Messi is now only the second South American player to play more than 150 international matches, behind Iván Hurtado (168).
Messi has 76 goals in 150 appearances for Argentina, the eighth-most in international football history. He only needs one more goal to surpass Pele as the South American continent's all-time leading scorer.
Read:Brazil edges Peru to reach Copa America final
Despite the fact that Messi did not score in the encounter against Colombia, he had a key role in the game's opening goal, which came in the seventh minute. Messi handed the ball to Lautaro Martinez after rushing through Colombia's defense. Martinez made no mistakes and slammed the ball into the back of the net.
Argentina adopted a more defensive strategy after taking a 1-0 lead early in the game. On the other side, Colombia got anxious to score.
They continued to press the Argentine defense, especially in the second half, and Luis Diaz's stunning run down the left-wing helped them score in the 61st minute. He runs with the ball quickly before putting it in the bottom right corner of the net to cut the lead. It was a fantastic effort on his part.
Read Italy beats Spain on penalties, reaches Euro 2020 final
Colombia played carefully after leveling the game, but Argentina made a valiant effort to retake the lead. Lionel Messi twice came close to scoring the second goal for Argentina, but the Colombian defense prevented him both times and the match ended 1-1. After winning the penalty shootout, Argentina secured a place in the championship match against Brazil.
Meanwhile, Argentina are unable to attack efficiently due to a lack of quality in the midfield. They try to charge with two wings, but thus far it hasn't worked well. If Argentina fails to fix this issue before the crucial championship match against Brazil, they would be in serious trouble.Argentina and Brazil will play the final match at the Maracana stadium on Sunday 11th July(6 a.m. /BST).
Read:Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar: Who Has Acquired Most International Achievements?
Bottom Line
In the second semifinal, Argentina and Colombia had a reasonably decent match, and the best team eventually advanced to the final. Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi has now earned 150 caps, making him the first Argentine and only the second South American to do so. But it was goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who emerged as the match's true hero.Argentina progressed to the Copa America 2021 final thanks to his excellent performance in the penalty shootout.
Read Longtime tormentor Italy stands in way of Spain at Euro 2020
Argentina advances on penalties to Copa final against Brazil
It will be Lionel Messi’s Argentina against Neymar’s Brazil in the Copa America final on Saturday at the historic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Argentina won its semifinal against Colombia 3-2 on penalties after three saves by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Regular time ended 1-1 at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Tuesday.
“Emi is a phenomenon. We trusted him,” Messi said after the match. “It was an objective to play all the matches and now we will try to win this final.”
Read:Brazil edges Peru to reach Copa America final
Argentina hasn’t captured a major title since 1993 when it won Copa America. On that occasion, the team eliminated Colombia on penalties 6-5 in the semifinal after a goalless draw.
Brazil beat Peru 1-0 on Monday to advance to the final. The Selecao has never lost a Copa America final at home and has won five out of six matches so far.
It took Argentina only seven minutes to open the scoring. Rodrigo de Paul found Messi in the penalty box with a through pass. The star earned his fifth assist in the tournament with a pass to Lautaro Martinez, who put the ball in the right corner past Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina.
A more aggressive Colombia, led by Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, hit the bar and the post in the second half before it leveled in the 61st minute with Luis Diaz, who received the ball on the left of Argentina’s box shot almost with no angle to beat Martinez.
Read:Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar: Who Has Acquired Most International Achievements?
Argentina reacted after 67 minutes when Ángel di María came into the match, replacing Nico González. The winger created several opportunities including one in the 80th minute that ended with Davinson Sanchez saving a finish by Lautaro Martinez on the goal line.
The last big opportunity in regular time came with Messi hitting Ospina’s right post in 81st minute from short range.
Martinez saved the shots taken by Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona in the shootout. Messi converted his opportunity from the spot and was one of the most joyous players in the celebrations. He seeks his first major title with Argentina against favorites Brazil.
Rodrigo de Paul missed his shot, but Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martinez netted their chances for Argentina in the shootout. Cuadrado and Miguel Borja scored from the spot for Colombia.
Read:Argentina beats Ecuador at Copa, plays Colombia in semifinal
In tears, Martinez said after the match he wanted to face the Brazilians in the final in the Maracana Stadium.
“This is a matter of luck, today it was mine. Brazil is a great team, the favorite,” Martinez said. “But we have a great coach, we have the best player in the world and we will try to win it,” he said.
Colombia will play on Friday in the third-place playoff against Peru.
Argentina, Italy Keen to End Continental Trophy Droughts
Prior to the start of Copa America 2021, Brazil were a clear favourites to retain the title. As the tournament progressed, Argentina have shown more consistency and a stronger determination to win their first Copa America championship in 28 years.On the other side, Italy were considered one of the outsiders to lift the UEFA EURO 2020, with many football experts predicting Belgium and France as the favourites.However, Italy have shown more maturity and have played some of the most exciting football in the competition. Argentina and Italy are both keen to end their continental trophy droughts, as discussed in this article.
Why Argentina are favourites to win the Copa America 2021?
Argentina have always been one of the favorites in the South American Championship, but they haven't won the Copa America since 1993 despite reaching the final four times during this time.This is Lionel Messi's final Copa America tournament, and they should win it in his honor.
Argentina's Copa America campaign in 2021 started with a 1-1 draw against Chili, but they went on to win the remainder of their group stage matches and the quarter-final encounter against Ecuador.
Read UEFA EURO 2020: Quarter Finals Preview
Argentina will play against Colombia in their semifinal match at EstádioNacionalManéGarrincha in Brasilia on Wednesday. Argentina should easily qualify for the final based on their current form, and we can anticipate them to face Brazil in the championship match.
So the question remains, how will this rejuvenated Argentina team perform against the Brazilian side in this year's final?
Consistency is one of the most important factors. Argentina have improved and displayed more consistency in the competition. Initially, they were shaky, but Argentina have since played with a lot of confidence. Importantly, this set of players believes they can win the tournament.
Read Copa America 2021: Quarter Finals Preview
On the other hand, Brazil have struggled in their past two matches and would need to re-establish their rhythm before the crucial final. If they can't, Argentina will seize the opportunity to win a record 15th South American Championship.
Three important players for Argentina
Romero (Defender), Lionel Messi (Forward), Lautaro Martinez (Forward)
Probable Playing XI
Martinez (GK), Tagilafico, Romero, Molina, Pezzella, Rodríguez, Di María, Paredes, Lionel Messi, Gómez, Lautaro Martinez
Read Denmark beats Czechs 2-1 to reach Euro 2020 semifinals
Copa America 2021 Semifinal & Final Fixtures
Date
Match
Venue & Time (BST)
Semifinal
July 6 (Tuesday)
Brazil vs Peru
Rio de Janeiro (5 AM)
July 7 (Wednesday)
Argentinavs Colombia
Brasília (7 AM)
Third place play off
July 10 (Saturday)
Loser Match 25 vs Loser Match 26
Brasília (6 AM)
Final
July 11 (Sunday)
Winner Match 25 vs Winner Match 26
Rio de Janeiro (6 AM)
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Copa_Am%C3%A9rica
Read Brazil beats Chile at Copa America despite 2nd-half red card
Why Italy are favourites to win the UEFA EURO 2020?
Italy haven't won a major trophy since the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and they haven't won the European Championship since 1968. So, Italy will be hoping to win their second UEFA EURO Championship this year.
Many experts anticipated that Italy would have a slim chance of winning the tournament, but they have surpassed expectations by playing the most entertaining brand of football in the game.
They finished top in the group stage points table but struggled a bit in the Round of 16 match against Austria. However, Italy had demonstrated their true capabilities in the quarter-final match against hot favourites Belgium, winning 2-1 and securing a spot in the semifinal.
Read Italy advances to semifinals at Euro 2020
Italy should win against Spain in the semifinal, but they will have to fight hard against England, who are in great form at the moment. While, after defeating Belgium, Italy are full of confidence and will make it difficult for England to win their first European Championship trophy.
Argentina and Italy are both confident that they will end their continental trophy droughts with their current form.
Three important players for Italy
Donnarumma (GK), Chiellini (Defender), Insigne (Forward)
Probable Playing XI
Donnarumma (GK), Chiellini, Bonucci, Di Lorenzo, Spinazzola, Barella, Jorginho, Chiesa, Verratti, Insigne, Immobile
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UEFA EURO 2020 Semifinal & Final Fixtures
Date
Match
Venue & Time (BST)
Semifinal
July 7 (Wednesday)
Italyvs Spain
Wembley Stadium, London (1 AM)
July 8 (Thursday)
Englandvs Denmark
Wembley Stadium, London (1 AM)
Final
July 12 (Monday)
Winner Match 49
vs
Winner Match 50
Wembley Stadium, London (1 AM)
Sources: https://www.uefa.com/
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Verdict
After analyzing the qualities of the teams and current form, it is clear that Argentina and Italy are both keen to end their continental trophy droughts. Argentina are the overwhelming favourites to win Copa America 2021. But their most likely final opponent, Brazil will make it difficult for them.On the other hand, England are in excellent condition and will give it their best to win their first European championship. However, Italy are now a strong favourites to win their second UEFA EURO Championship, especially after eliminating Belgium in the quarter-final. Overall, we expect the best teams will win their respective tournaments.
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