Argentina vs Colombia, Copa America 2021, Semi Final mtch, Wednesday, 7 July 2021, Kick-off at 2:00 UK/ 3:00 CET, Venue: Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasília.
Argentina qualified for the Copa América semifinal for the fifth time in six editions and Colombia between them and the fifth final.
In the last edition, they were defeated in the semifinals by Brazil but finally achieved third place at the expense of Chile.
This time, things are looking good for Messi and company, as the team become a solid unit as the tournament grows. The resounding 3-0 quarter-final victory over Ecuador was nothing less than expected, although they did score quite a bit more if not for some unfortunate blocks and woodwork.
Lionel Messi scored a double from a free-kick for Argentina’s third goal against Ecuador and now brings his tournament total to 4 goals, including 3 in the last two games.
Argentina one of two undefeated teams in the competition alongside Brazil, having conceded only 2 goals in the competition.
Colombia needed a penalty shoot-out to beat Uruguay, the 90 minutes were mediocre but the Cafeteros better chances with Duvan Zapata and Luis Díaz getting closer to goal.
David Ospina became the hero of the penalty shootout the day he made a 111th appearance for the Cafeteros, saving twice as his teammates achieved a 100% conversion on the spot.
The tournament hot and cold for the Colombians so far, often forceful in attack despite having two world-class forwards in Zapata and Muriel, so far ineffective and the team only managed to score 2 goals of the 5 matches played so far.
Argentina team news
Lionel Scaloni a team in great shape at his disposal, but it will be interesting to see if he sticks with Laturo Martinez or if he brings back Sergio Aguero scoreless in the starting lineup this game.
Nicolás González preferred in the bands, which means that Ángel Di María can start on the bench.
Starting eleven planned by Argentina (4-3-3)
Martínez – Acuña, Otamendi, Pezzalla, Molina – De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso – González, Messi, Martínez.
Colombia team news
Reinaldo Rueda inconsistent with his caps similar to the results of his team that failed to win a match in 90 minutes from the start with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
Changes are expected concerning the one that started in the 0-0 draw against Uruguay, mainly in defense and attack.
Starting eleven scheduled for Colombia (4-4-2)
Ospina – Tessilo, Sanchez, Mina, Munoz – Diaz, Uribe, Barrios, Cuadrado – Zapata, Muriel.
Argentina vs Colombia Head-to-Head (H2H)
- The teams recently met in qualifying for the World Cup in June and Colombia came from 2 goals to tie 2-2.
- This extended their unbeaten streak against Argentina to 3 games, after claiming the only victory of the series in the 2019 Copa América group stage (2-0).
- The teams also met in the 2015 edition, a quarter-final tie ended in favor of Albiceleste on penalties after 90 minutes without a goal.
- Six of their last 7 meetings in all competitions recorded under 2.5 goals. The most common scoring line during the period was 0-0.
- The two teams only scored in 1 of them, which turned out to be their most recent meeting in June.
Prediction of Argentina vs Colombia
As mentioned above, Argentina grown in stature and seems like a strong and cohesive unit. So Lionel Messi is enjoying his football, and it shows in the goals he scored so far.
Colombia struggled to achieve results so far, although I see them as a team that could surprise anyone in their time. They a good fight against Brazil early in the competition, before being defeated by a late goal (1-2).
Considering several key points, including their h2h history in the Copa América, Argentina could overcome that tie by a slim margin, although penalties are possible.
Betting tips for Argentina vs Colombia
- Argentina win 1.75
- Over 1.5 goals for Argentina 2.00
- Lionel Messi will score at any time 2.10
- Correct Score Argentina 2-1 9.00