Historic Copa America Final: Argentina vs. Colombia Showdown

For the first time in Copa America history, Argentina and Colombia will clash in the final. As the reigning champions, Argentina prepare for their record 30th appearance at the competition’s showpiece, while Colombia makes their third appearance. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will host this historic event.

Notably, if necessary, extra time will be utilised after earlier knockout round matches that finished level went straight to penalties.

Argentina’s Dominance in America

La Albiceleste’s love affair with America continues. Following their 2-0 semi-final win over Canada, Argentina hasn’t lost a major tournament knockout game in regulation time in the States since Romania beat them in 1994. In ominous form, the record 15-time Copa America champions have won their last ten internationals since Uruguay beat them 2-0 in November.

After reaching a third major final in as many attempts, Lionel Scaloni’s side are bidding for a remarkable hat-trick after winning the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Achieving that feat would certainly be a fitting farewell should the likes of Angel di Maria and Lionel Messi decide to retire from international football following the tournament.

Colombia’s Unbeaten Streak

Colombia, on the other hand, will have plenty to say as they are now unbeaten in 28 matches (W22, D6). This highlights their fine form as they embark on a first Copa America final since winning the tournament on home soil in 2001. After dispatching Panama 5-0 in their quarter-final, they battled past Uruguay 1-0 in the semi-final, keeping their third clean sheet of the tournament.

While their defensive form bodes well, Colombia’s defenders might need to raise their game again as they haven’t shut Argentina out in any of the last three head-to-heads (D1, L2). Yet, Los Cafeteros will hope that their last shutout against Argentina in the 2019 Copa America (W 2-0) is a good omen.

That remains their only head-to-head win since November 2007 (D4, L7), so they will understandably start this final showdown as outsiders.

Key Players to Watch

Lautaro Martinez

The Argentine striker is well-placed to end the tournament as the leading scorer, having netted four times already with three of those strikes arriving after the 85th minute.

Jhon Cordoba

One of four Colombians to have netted twice during the competition, Cordoba has now scored his last three international strikes during multi-goal wins ‘to nil’.

Hot Stat

In each of the last seven Copa America finals since Colombia won in 2001, the half-time result was matched by the 90-minute outcome. This intriguing trend could be a crucial factor in predicting the final result.

Conclusion

As Argentina and Colombia prepare to write a new chapter in Copa America history, football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a thrilling final. Will Argentina secure their third consecutive major title, or will Colombia end their long wait for Copa America glory? Only time will tell in what promises to be a historic showdown.