Pre-match analysis of the Copa America final

The grand final of the Copa America will be between Argentina and Colombia, the current world champion has been the favorites to lift the cup in the bookmakers with odds of 2.05, despite the star so far being James Rodríguez, Real Madrid ex-player.

Team lineup:

Argentina (4-3-3)
GK: E. Martínez (Aston Villa)
LB: Tagliafico (Lyon)
CB: Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)
CB: Romero (Tottenham)
RB: Montiel (Sevilla)
MC: De Paul (Atlético de Madrid)
MC: Mac Allister (Liverpool)
MC: Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
LW: L. Messi (Inter Miami)
RW: Di Maria (Free Agent)
ST: J. Alvarez (Manchester City)
Coach: Lionel Scaloni

Colômbia (4-2-3-1)
GK: C. Vargas (Atlas)
LB: Monjica (Villarreal)
CB: Sánchez (Galatasaray)
CB: Cuesta (KRC Genk)
RB: Arias (Bahia)
CDM: Lerma (Crystal Palace)
CDM: Richard Rios (Palmeiras)
CAM: James Rodríguez (Chelsea)
LW: Jhon Arias(Inter Miami)
RW: Luis Díaz (Liverpool)
ST: Cordoba (Krasnodar)
Coach: Nestor Lorenzo

Copa America champions
Argentina (15) 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941,1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993, 2021
Uruguai (15) 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995, 2011
Brasil (9) 1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007, 2019
Chile (2) 2015, 2016
Paraguai (2) 1953, 1979
Peru (2) 1939, 1975
Bolívia (1) 1963
Colômbia (1) 2001

What is the prize pool for the Copa America?

In all, CONMEBOL will distribute US$ 72 million (about R$ 395 million, in current figures) throughout the competition, which brings together a total of 16 teams.

For the final, the figures are generous. While the champion will pocket US$ 18 million (R$ 99 million), the runner-up will get US$ 9 million (R$ 49 million).

For Canada and Uruguay, who fell behind in the semifinals, whoever finishes 3rd gets US$ 7 million (R$ 38 million), while the 4th place with with US$ 6 million (R$ 33 million).

How do Argentina and Colombia arrive?

In the group stage, Argentina led Group A and had a perfect record, finishing in first place.

They secured victories against Canada (2-0), Chile (1-0), and Peru (2-0). In the quarterfinals, Argentina faced Ecuador and, after a 1-1 draw in regular time, advanced in the penalty shootout.

In the semifinals, Argentina faced Canada again and repeated the same scoreline from their opening match, including Messi’s first goal in the tournament.

Colombia, on the other hand, also topped Group D without any losses. They were drawn in the same group as Brazil.

Colombia started with a 2-1 victory over Paraguay, followed by a convincing 3-0 win against Costa Rica. In their final group match, they played to a 1-1 draw against the Brazilian national team.

In the quarterfinals, Colombia faced Panama and secured a dominant 5-0 victory. Then, in the semifinals, they defeated Uruguay 1-0.

What is the head-to-head record between Argentina and Colombia in the Copa America?

This will be the 16th encounter between Argentina and Colombia in the competition, and the Argentinians have a significant advantage.

Out of the 15 previous matches, Argentina has won 7, while Colombia has only managed 3 victories. The two teams have also played to 5 draws.

The last time they met in a knockout stage was in the previous edition, during the 2021 Copa America in Brazil. After a 1-1 draw in regular time, Argentina won 3-2 in the penalty shootout.

Interestingly, in the knockout phase, Argentina has never lost to Colombia and has always advanced. However, in 4 knockout games, there have been 3 draws and only 1 victory for the Albiceleste