Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Argentine national team will meet Canada in the semifinals of the Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on Wednesday morning at 07:00 WIB.
This match could be considered a test for Argentina and Canada, especially since both countries managed to reach the semi-finals, which is one step away from being in the supreme match.
Argentina are just a few steps away from retaining their Copa America title, while Canada have the opportunity to make history.
Even though on paper Argentina is superior to everything, it is not impossible that Canada could create a surprise.
Ambition to defend the title
Argentina certainly have ambitions to defend their Copa America title and become back-to-back champions after winning the title in 2021.
Even though Lionel Messi and his colleagues have reached the semi-finals of the Copa America 2024, many doubts remain among the public due to the results obtained previously.
Having the status of world and South American champion, Argentina showed little convincing in the preliminary round of Group A even though they beat their opponent.
Lionel Scaloni’s team could only record a maximum victory with a two-goal margin against Canada and Peru. Meanwhile, against Chile, Argentina won with a narrow 1-0 score.
Questions about Argentina’s performance intensified in the quarter-finals after Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Ecuador for 90 minutes. Fortunately, in the penalty shootout, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez came through.
A convincing victory against Canada after the semi-final could bring them closer to retaining their title and answer the public’s doubts.
Trying to create history
Canada are looking to make history again after successfully reaching the semi-finals of the Copa America for the first time.
Despite their status as a rookie team, Jesse Marsch’s team performed rather well in the preliminary round of Group A with a runner-up spot.
After losing the first match against Argentina 0-2, Canada then beat Peru 1-0 and held Chile to a 0-0 draw.
Then, another surprise was created by Jonathan David and his colleagues by managing to get rid of Venezuela, who performed well in the preliminary round of Group B by beating Ecuador 2-1, Mexico 1-0 and Jamaica 3-0.
In the quarter-finals, Canada eliminated Venezuela on penalties after a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes.
Canada’s dream of reaching its first Copa America final as a debutant is wide open, but it must overcome the hurdles of Argentina.
I only met twice
The 2024 Copa America semi-final between Argentina and Canada will be the third meeting between the two countries.
Although they can be said to be on the same continent, Argentina first met Canada in 2010.
In the friendly match, Argentina was able to destroy Canada with a crushing score of 5-0 thanks to goals from Maxi Rodriguez (2), Angel Di Maria, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Agüero.
Meanwhile, the second meeting took place at the Copa America 2024, Argentina emerged victorious again thanks to goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez and the match ended 2-0.
On the other hand, this semi-final match is Canada’s chance to make history by beating Argentina for the first time.
Coach’s Comments
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said his team would not underestimate Canada even though the Albiceleste were the favourites on paper.
Scaloni explained that Canada has the ability to create surprises, but that Argentina is ready to face the resistance of the Reds.
“Canada makes it difficult for everyone and we will try to make the game go our way, and with our weapons we hope to win the game our way,” Scaloni said.
Regarding the possibility of superstar Lionel Messi being fielded in the match against Kanadq, Scaloni confirmed that La Pulga would participate.
However, the 2022 World Cup-winning coach has been reluctant to clearly explain which players he will field.
“Leo is fine, so tomorrow he will be part of the game, he is ready to play and we are calm. Messi’s level is good, he is fundamental for us and I know what he can give us even if he is not in good condition,” explained Scaloni.
This news was published on Antaranews.com with the title: Argentina vs Canada Preview: Evidence for Both Countries
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