Argentina and Colombia will face off in an eagerly-awaited 2024 Copa America semifinal. Now that rosters for both teams have been released, fans can anticipate an exhilarating showdown on the field.
Lionel Scaloni does not anticipate any new injury concerns and should field his strongest team, including Valencia defender Marc Cucurella who could earn his debut senior international cap.
Argentina national football
Argentina is widely considered one of the premier football teams worldwide. Ranked number one by FIFA, Argentina is widely considered to be South America’s best team. Unfortunately, Argentina’s national squad struggles to perform as it should. Frequent changes of managers due to logistical considerations of playing matches at NFL-sized stadiums has caused disruption and detriment.
Argentina still possess talent and potential superstars despite these difficulties, led by Lionel Messi who leads the world in total goals scored and can change any game with his ability to score at any moment. Messi is known for scoring goals in every match he appears and can transform the course of any contest by scoring quickfire goals from anywhere on the pitch.
Argentina is widely respected for their stylish soccer, winning many tournaments in their time. Although they lost to Brazil in the 1978 World Cup final, Maradona led Argentina to victories over France and Italy as tournament favorites.
Colombia national football
Colombia’s national football team is among the most successful in international history. Pele once predicted they’d win it all; tragedy befell when Andres Escobar was brutally killed following group stage elimination in 1994. Since then, however, Colombian players have followed different paths and been one of the stand-out performers at Copa America this year.
Nestor Lorenzo, who has been leading his team since 2022 and is experiencing an excellent run. They have won three out of their six matches thus far and sit just behind Argentina and Uruguay in playoff contention.
Lorenzo remains popular with his players despite missing out on first place; they look forward to facing Argentina in the final. One major worry for Colombia, however, is Daniel Munoz from Crystal Palace; after being sent off during their semi-final against Uruguay he will not be available for selection for this decisive battle.
Lionel Messi will replace his China tour that was cancelled due to injury by playing two March friendlies with Argentina instead. Four young players under 20 will make their senior debuts, such as Brighton defender Valentin Barco who will make his senior debut.
Football team lineups
Argentina National Football Team Vs Colombia National Football Team Lineups, After an inauspicious start at the Copa America, Colombia are finding their groove. Scoring four goals in two consecutive matches and seemingly on track for a deep run in this tournament. Their defense has been impressive while their attack has grown more potency with every game played; Yerry Mina has been their star performer; however more players must step forward if Colombia are going to progress further in this competition.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is unlikely to change up his winning combination for this match, likely sticking with Nicolas Otamendi as central defender with Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico on either flank; Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister as midfielders while Angel Di Maria and Julian Alvarez will lead their attack up front.
Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo may decide to rest James Rodriguez, his most consistent attacker throughout this tournament. But he will have to adjust for Daniel Munoz being suspended by CONMEBOL due to a hideous kick on Christian Pulisic during their win against United States.
Highlights
Argentina are just one win away from winning an unprecedented 16th Copa America crown while Colombia have ambitions of their own, which may include their first major tournament crown since 1999. When these two powerhouses meet at Miami Hard Rock Stadium this Sunday, expect an intense battle!
Lionel Scaloni will likely maintain his winning lineup, featuring five players who started both of Argentina’s knockout matches. Camilo Vargas will remain as goalkeeper, Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico will remain right-back and left-back respectively, and Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez will pair up as centre backs.
Angel Di Maria remains an uncertainty for Argentina as they attempt to decide his starting spot. While he excelled in their initial game against Chile, his performance faltered against a weak Colombian defense in the semifinals. Di Maria will look to make amends against an inferior opponent like Colombia.
Final words
Lionel Messi will return for Argentina against Colombia after missing their round-of-16 match with a hamstring injury, following full practices this week and being fully fit. Barcelona star Messi should start alongside Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Tagliafico and Cristian Romero; though Lionel Scaloni might make some changes as one win away from winning an unprecedented 16th Copa America title!
Regrettably, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s actions during post-match celebrations has marred their joyous momentous win and led many fans into outrage – prompting swift apologies from both club and player alike.
Colombia are in great form with a strong squad that includes several domestic stars. After qualifying in two straight goalless draws against Mexico and Ecuador respectively, and winning via penalty shootout victory over Ecuador respectively, they found themselves in the quarterfinals with great chances of reaching the semifinals despite facing stiff opposition in Argentina’s well-organised side.
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