The Copa America Finals. A Reunion but on different sides.

 

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The curtains are falling for this summer’s footballing action as this weekend hosts two tantalizing finals. So much hype on the Euros that seem to have shadowed the Copa America down in Brazil. The biggest question being, If Messi wins the cup is it a guarantee spot on taking his 7th Ballon D’or? But away from the Messi Scenario, the competition has arguably been the best away from the Euros.

 The Copa America started off with 10 teams drawn in two groups where only two teams bowed out of the tournament as the teams went direct to the quarters from the group stages. Two teams would actually catch the attention of most football fans: Brazil the most successful team from South America & with Neymar on the highlight of the team and Argentina is eye-catching having being the last team from South America to reach a final of a world cup and again all eyes are on Messi to win his first ever country silverware.

Copa America Round Up

The tournament would be seen as a relatively ride for the two teams as they cruised unbeaten in their groups. With other competitive teams like Chile, Uruguay and Colombia, the competition was light up with goals and highlights. Messi has stood out in the competition with 4 goals and 5 assists with two of the goals coming from free kicks. It has been a tournament of its own from the Argentine They have the home advantage and pose as the best team from group A.

They are not in the finals by chance but by their outstanding style of play. They are above Argentina as they have scored 12 goals and only conceded 2 goals as compared to Argentina 11 goals and 3 goals conceded. Relatively close but they are still above them. They saw off two-time recent champions Chile in the Quarters had to battle out with Colombia in the groups and twice with Peru. The Samba boys are the defending champions and seemingly favorites for the tournament.

It goes without say of the outstanding shot stopper from Argentina is a Gem. Sergio Romero was the hero 7 years ago in the Semis against Netherlands that saw him save two penalties and send Argentina into the finals. This year Emiliano Martinez was the star man in the Semis that saw him save three penalties and awarded the man of the Match award against Colombia. Argentina are safe between the sticks having only conceded 3 goals.

The Finals

Two of the best teams in the continent face off. They have met 10 times in the finals and Argentina have had the lion’s share with 8 wins to 2 Brazil wins. However the two Brazil wins have come in recent times in 2004 and 2007. A Messi-led attack faces off against a solid defense line that has conceded only two goals. Brazil has the best to choose from for the goalkeeping positions boosting two of the best premier league goal keepers. Messi looking to lead his team to its first silver ware since 1993 when they last tasted trophy victory. He has lost three consecutive finals (2014 World Cup Finals, 2015 and 2016 Copa America) and this is the only trophy remaining to be regarded as the best Footballer in the world. Lautaro Martinez has evolved into a promising forward replicating his form at Inter Milan together with Di Maria as they form an indomitable forward line. Dyabala is an absentee from the squad.

Brazil are good all round from the back heading forward. They present a balance team organized and rich in talent. Neymar will wish to add another Copa America title and set to surpass the goal scoring record set by Pele. The likes of Richerlison, Paqueta, and Jesus have come out strong in the competition banging goals and with Casimero and Fred in the midfield they have ensured that balls reach the forward line and don’t pass them into their own half.