Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
On the night of Monday, July 15, the final match of the Copa America 2024 will take place. The national team of Argentina will face Colombia, with the game starting at 2:00 CET. Analysts from the Dailysports team have prepared a forecast for this encounter.
Argentina
The Argentinians had an outstanding group stage. In their first game, they defeated Canada 2-0, then narrowly beat Chile, and overcame Peru 2-0. As a result, Argentina secured nine points from their three group stage matches and, notably, did not concede a single goal. In the quarterfinals, La Albiceleste faced Ecuador. Argentina started the match stronger and converted their pressure into a goal, with Martínez scoring in the 35th minute. However, after the break, Ecuador leveled the game. They initially missed a penalty but equalized in stoppage time.
The match went to a penalty shootout, where Lionel Messi missed his attempt, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved Argentina. In the semifinals, La Albiceleste faced Canada once again. Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the tournament, leading Argentina to a 2-0 victory and securing their place in the final. Argentina has showcased the best defense in this tournament, conceding only one goal in five matches.
Colombia
Colombia also had an impressive group stage in the Copa America. They first defeated Paraguay 2-1, then thrashed Costa Rica 3-0, and in the final round, drew with Brazil to secure first place in the group and advance to the playoffs against Panama. Colombia was the only team in the quarterfinals not to go to a penalty shootout, winning 5-0. The Copa America semifinal was very challenging for the Colombians.
They scored first in the 39th minute but were reduced to ten men shortly after. In the second half, Uruguay created numerous chances, but poor finishing let them down. Colombia held on for a 1-0 win, advancing to the final. Colombia is the highest-scoring team in the Copa America, with 12 goals in the tournament. Notably, the last time Colombia reached the final of this tournament was in 2001, when they defeated Mexico to become champions of America.
Interesting facts and head-to-head encounters
- Colombia and Argentina last played each other in 2022, with La Albiceleste winning 2-0.
- Colombia has won 6 of their last 7 matches. Argentina has won 9 of their last 11 matches.
- In their last 6 matches, Argentina has scored first. In their last 4 matches, Colombia has scored last.
Argentina – Colombia Prediction
Argentina is reaching the Copa America final for the second consecutive time. They are the reigning world and American champions, bringing more experience to the final. Additionally, Colombia's last defeat was in 2022 against Argentina. Both teams are in excellent form, but Argentina appears to be the favorite. My prediction is a victory for La Albiceleste with a coefficient of 2.1.
