The Copa America 2024 has been mesmerizing to watch. Some teams have successfully played in the quadrennial tournament. Underdogs also performed well giving the big teams some hard times in the group-stage games. Canada in their very first tournament made it to the semi-final. They came second in the group of Argentina, Peru, and Chile. Brazil has struggled in the group stages despite qualifying in the knockout rounds.
Colombia was the dark horse coming to the tournament. The side so far has been in a 28-match unbeaten streak. The Los Cafeteros defeated Uruguay in the semi-final to qualify for their first final after 23 years. They will look to win the major silverware as previously when they were in the final back in 2001. The side won 1-0 against Mexico. Argentina on the other hand will look to defend the trophy. They would love to provide a fairytale farewell to their captain Lionel Messi.
In the last five meetings between both teams, one game has been won by each. The rest three games have ended in a draw. The last time when they met in the Copa America was back in the 2021 semi-final. The La Albiceleste won in the penalties by 3-2. There will be some heavy battles on Sunday night and we will take a look at of some the crucial battles.
Here are the top 3 battles to watch out for in the Argentina vs Colombia final
3. Luis Diaz vs Gonzalo Montiel
Luis Diaz has been in good form in the tournament. The Liverpool winger has been a threat down the wings for his opponents. He has scored two goals. The 27-year-old winger would like to add more to his tally in the final and win the championship for his side. The previous time these two teams met in the tournament he equalised for his side.
Gonzalo Montiel has had a decent outing as he was not much troubled down the wings. But in the final, he will need to be very watchful against the pacy Reds winger and will look to have some good battles down the wings to stop him from making the cross and making runs inside the box.
2. Lionel Messi vs Carlos Cuesta
Lionel Messi has not found the form in the tournament. The Argentine playmaker has struggled to get a goal before the semi-final against Canada. The 37-year-old despite getting the chances failed to convert them. However, whenever he takes the field the defenders are always on their toes. In the final, he would like to change his fortune and score for his team and win the trophy.
Carlos Cuesta has been rock solid at the back. The central defender has not had much trouble in the back line. The side only conceded twice in the tournament and has been the second-best defensive side. Cuesta will look to defend against the best footballer of all time. He will need to be always on his toes to prevent him from scoring and passing as well.
1. James Rodriguez vs Rodrigo De Paul
James Rodriguez has found back his form in Copa America 2024. He is currently the highest assist maker in the tournament with 6 assists and has scored 1 goal. He is the contender for the Player of the Tournament and would like to win the silverware as well. The 33-year-old will be looking to score some goals and assist in the final as well.
Rodrigo De Paul, when it comes to playing for his nation. He has turned up on the big occasions. The Atletico Madrid footballer will be there in the midfield trying to stop runs from Rodriguez in the middle of the park. He will look to dominate the middle area to help La Albiceleste win the loose balls and counterattack.
