Copa America’s final stage is finally on the horizon. Two archrival in history of South American football, Brasil and Argentina, are eventually squaring off again at the summit. It has been their third encounters in the final without a round-robin format after the 1937, 2004 and 2007 edition. The stars from both sides, Neymar and Lionel Messi, shall lead their team’s attacking build-up for their first regional title. This clash is set to be held in Maracana.
Both teams’ previous games
Brasil had a difficulty against Peru at the semifinal. They only secured a narrow win against Ricardo Gareca’s men with the single winning goal scored by Lucas Paqueta.
Meanwhile, Albiceleste needed to go through penalties when they were up against Colombia. Messi and Co could only muster a 1-1 draw in the normal time. Lautaro Martinez found the back of the net but in an hour mark, Luis Diaz bagged an equalise. Emiliano Martinez was the man of the match as he managed to block three penalties in the shoot out.
Possible tactic
Tite would not change his favorite formation 4-2-3-1. Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta will be the wingers to support Neymar and Gabi Jesus who is back from suspension, or Liverpool man Roberto Firmino as the frontman. In the midfield, none is expected to change with Casemiro and Fred featuring the defensive midfielder role.
His counterpart, Lionel Scaloni, has been more flexible in deploying the formation from 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 or 4-3-1-2. Messi would still be given a freer role as the number ten, shifting to false nine or winger. Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez will be targetman and Rodrigo de Paul should be the main support in the attacking build-up alongside Angel Correa who can offer the width as well as physical prowess in a duel against Selecao’s midfielders to win the ball and initiate the attack. The Atletico Madrid man deserves a chance in the line up replacing Nicolas Gonzalez who wasted a number of opportunities in the past two outings.
Players to watch
Brasil superstar, Neymar, is definitely one vital figure in the tournament after missing out the previous edition in 2019 due to his injury. He has netted two goals and three assists. Some other key men to watch in Selecao are Lucas Paqueta, Casemiro and Everton winger Richarlison.
The Argentina’s skipper, Leo Messi is certainly the top performer with four goals and five assists, making him leading top scorer and assist provider in the tournament. Some other notable figures to watch here are Lautaro Martinez, the goalie Emiliano Martinez and Udinese man Rodrigo de Paul.
Brasil vs Argentina Prediction
Selecao’s top form so far might help them to win their 10th title. Neymar would be as motivated as Messi as both are looking for their first major international trophy. Tite’s side will definitely be the dominant’s side with higher ball possession and taking control of the pace. This could be a real threat for Argentina whose dependence to Messi is still high. If Brasil could isolate him so that he would not get the ball on his feet, Albiceleste would be in trouble as their defensive stance is not as truly solid despite only conceding one goal.
Betting odds
The punters apparently puts Argentina as the slight favorite with the odds to win at 3/1. The draw result is at the value of 23/10, whereas the reigning Champions Brasil is only priced to win at 11/4.
