Prediction: Argentina vs Colombia

Prediction: Argentina win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

While the Euros may be at the forefront of everyone’s mind right now, there are just as many reasons to keep an eye out for the 2021 Copa America. It’s been a fascinating tournament up to this point with plenty of storylines to speak of, and you could argue none are more intriguing than this semi-final right now. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, want to finally try and reach the top of the mountain again – but they’ll need to get past Colombia in order to get one step closer.

Argentina

This tournament is beginning to feel like the kind of story they’ll write about for years with regards to Lionel Messi – who we can’t seem to stop talking about within the context of this team. Their 3-0 win over Ecuador really set in stone the kind of forward-thinking play they want to utilise in the knockout stage, and we aren’t so sure there’s any team out there capable of stopping them from winning it all.

Team News

Aguero is hoping to start the game from the word go with Otamendi also getting a start. Martinez, Gonzalez, Di Maria and Correa are all battling for a place in what looks like the most in-depth starting XI in the tournament.

Colombia

Colombia aren’t the same side they were back at the 2014 World Cup and in fact, we’d argue that they’ve regressed – but their position in the semi-finals of Copa America appear to prove that theory wrong. They’re gritty and determined which is what allowed them to get over the hump against Uruguay, although they’re really going to have to do something special if they want to replicate such a feat against Argentina.

Team News

Borja is expected to come in for Muriel in this game as Colombia attempt to go with something different. Mina and Sanchez should both keep their places in the team with Ospina serving as the main man for this team once again.

Factors to Consider

• Argentina are considered to be the favourites to win and progress to the final.
• Argentina won Group A with 10 points from four games.
• Colombia finished third in Group B with four points from four games.
• Argentina have scored 10 goals and conceded two at this year’s Copa America.
• Colombia have scored three goals and conceded four at this year’s Copa America.

Conclusion

The Colombians have looked less than stellar throughout the course of the tournament thus far and their best bet here is going to be defensive solidity. They have to get a bit aggressive with the Argentines and really let them know they’re there, neutralising Messi at every available opportunity. Alas, we’ve just got a feeling that Argentina are destined to reach the final and face rivals Brazil, which is why we’re backing them to win this 1-0.

From there, we could have one of the most entertaining Copa America finals of all time on our hands – provided both teams show up.

Prediction: Argentina win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: 888sport