2024 Copa America: Argentina Vs Canada, Opening Match Easy For Tangos
JAKARTA The inaugural match of the 2024 Copa America brought together the defending champions Argentina vs Canada.
The clash between the two Group A teams will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 07.00 WIB.
The opening duel of this tournament is the first meeting between the two teams since Argentina, coached by legend Diego Maradona, won 5-0 in a friendly in May 2010.
La Albiceleste held the Copa America crown after they beat arch-enemy Brazil in the 2021 final. That's the first Copa America trophy since 1993.
The 2021 Copa America is also the first international trophy that Lionel Messi has won in his sparkling career.
La Albiceleste then continued that success at the 2022 World Cup. They reached the tournament final and beat France on penalties to win the first World Cup trophy since 1986.
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This brilliant performance looks like it will continue in the 2024 Copa America. The reason is, they are in a good trend, namely winning 13 times and losing only once to 14 matches since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In the two most recent test matches, they have always come out victorious. Prior to beating Ecuador 1-0 before continuing their 4-1 win over Guatemala.
Of course, this achievement adds to their winning record to five consecutive matches. They have gained this result since suffering a surprising 0-2 defeat against Uruguay in October 2023.
On paper, Argentina is one of the favorites to qualify from the group to the knockout stages. They are favored to top the final standings ahead of Canada, Chile, and Peru.
The owner of the Copa America trophy 15 times has the potential to win three points in their first match. Moreover, their opponent is the debutant team who qualified for the final through the playoffs.
Canada was forced to go through the playoffs after failing to qualify as one of the four best teams of the CONCACAF Nations League 2023/2024. They then beatCA and Tobago in the playoffs.
The 2024 Copa America is clearly a great opportunity for Canada to test themselves against the strong team. This will add to the experience before becoming one of the contestants at the 2026 World Cup.
Canada followed the 2024 Copa America under new coach Jesse Marsch who was appointed last month. The meeting against Argentina became an opportunity for the American coach to prove himself after his departure from Leeds United in February 2023.
Marsch started his term with a landslide loss of 0-4 to the Netherlands this month. However, he responded to the disappointing defeat by holding France to a goalless draw.
Formation Estimated
Argentina (4-3-3): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, Gonzalez, Alvarez
Canada (4-4-2): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito,ijs, Davies; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; David, Larun