Prediction: Argentina vs Colombia

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: Luckster

With this summer’s Copa America title up for grabs in the early hours of Monday, Argentina and Colombia will meet at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Argentina

Starting with Argentina, making real history out in Qatar 18 months ago as they got their hands on a first world crown since 1986, the South American icons have firmly cemented their spot as the greatest international squad across the globe. Extending on their Copa America adventure last week and booking their spot to Florida thanks to a routine 2-0 victory against Canada, Lionel Scaloni’s men are on the cusp of shattering more records here. Hardly getting out of third gear this summer, La Albiceleste are certainly firing on all cylinders. In fact, continuing on from their World Cup success out in the Middle East during the winter of 2022, Argentina have won 24 of their previous 25 matchups across all competitions. Gaining a reputation for their rugged performances at the back, it should be noted that Scaloni’s side have conceded just a single Copa America strike so far this summer.

Team News

Finding the net against Canada on Wednesday and recording a first Copa America strike of the summer, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi will spearhead Argentina’s charge here. Despite notching four goals in his five appearances over in the United States, Inter Milan talisman Lautaro Martinez could be forced to settle for a spot on the bench.

In what will be his final international appearance for the reigning world champions in Florida, former Real Madrid ace Angel Di Maria will earn a 145th cap. Forming what has become a rugged partnership, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero will partner Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez at the heart of Argentina’s defence.

Colombia

As for Colombia, booking their spot in Monday’s showpiece event after securing a fiery 1-0 victory against Uruguay last week, La Tricolor have only embarked on a real fairytale. Shattering records by the week and receiving a string of praise from across the globe, Nestor Lorenzo’s men have stolen plenty of this summer’s headlines over in the United States. Overcoming every hurdle that comes their way, the Yellows have remarkably not suffered a single defeat from any of their previous 28 consecutive appearances across all competitions. With that extended purple patch stemming all the way back to a 1-0 loss against Argentina way back in February 2022, Colombia will certainly prove to offer a stern challenge at the Hard Rock Stadium. Collecting some iconic scalps on their extended flurry, Lorenzo’s camp will be desperate to make one final statement here.

Team News

Shown a first-half red card against Uruguay on Thursday, Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz will serve a one-match suspension here and miss out at the Hard Rock Stadium. One-time Atletico Madrid star Santiago Arias could make a first Copa America start of the summer.

Notching two goals in his previous four Copa America appearances, Liverpool ace Luis Diaz will play a leading role in the early hours of Monday. Ex-Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez will lead out La Tricolor in Florida and earn a 106th international cap.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Argentina and Colombia last met back in February 2022, La Albiceleste picked up a 1-0 victory in Cordoba.
• Argentina have lost just one of their previous 12 consecutive meetings against Colombia.
• La Tricolor are remarkably unbeaten in all of their previous 28 appearances across all competitions.
• The reigning world champions have conceded just a single strike in any of their five Copa America appearances this summer.
• Seven of the previous nine showdowns between Monday’s finalists have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Argentina might be just 90 minutes away from getting their hands on a history-making 16th Copa America crown here, the reigning world champions face what will certainly be a rugged test here. Watching Colombia embark on what has become a sensational 28-match unbeaten run across all competitions, La Tricolor have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across the globe. Two camps who have gained a reputation for their rugged defensive performances, we could be set for a nail-biting showdown in the early hours of Monday.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: Luckster