First semi-final 2024 Copa America Reigning champions Argentina will face surprise team Canada. MetLife Stadium Tuesday, July 9th in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Match Preview
Argentina is Lionel Messiis leading Group A, Ecuador In the quarter-final penalty shootout.
Canada is participating in the Copa America for the first time and has beaten expectations by reaching the quarterfinals, but they will likely be underdogs against the world champions.
Argentina has won the Copa America a record 15 times, most recently in 2021.
They are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 2007 to successfully defend their title.
Lionel Messi, 37, is playing in his sixth Copa America and has scored 13 goals in the tournament, the most by any player.
Messi has scored 90 goals in 164 appearances for Argentina, making him the country’s all-time leading scorer.
Lautaro Martinez was the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, and the 25-year-old Inter Milan striker has formed a formidable partnership with Messi.
The Argentina national team is packed with world-class talent. Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero and Rodrigo de Paul and Giovanni Lo Celso.
Canada is just the third CONCACAF team to reach the semifinals in their first Copa America appearance. Mexico 1993 and America 1995.
Jesse Marsh’s The team has conceded just one goal in their last three games in the tournament and their defence has been solid throughout the tournament.
Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau He is in such great form that only two goalkeepers have prevented more goals than his xGOT (expected goals) of 4.2.
Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Sail Larin He gives Canada an offensive threat and has been one of the standout players in the tournament.
Face to face
Argentina has won all four of its previous matches, most recently beating Canada 2-0 on June 20, 2024, in the group stage of the Copa America.
Injuries and suspensions
Lionel Messi He has recovered from a minor groin injury and is expected to be in the starting line-up. Emiliano Martinez Following his performance against Ecuador, it is expected that he will continue to play as goalkeeper.
In Canada, Tajon Buchanan He remains sidelined with a fractured tibia, and manager Jesse Marsch must decide whether to keep the line-up that beat Venezuela or make some changes.
prediction
Argentina are the favourites to reach the final, with an 84% chance of reaching the final.
Canada has exceeded expectations by reaching the semifinals, but their winning streak is likely to end when they face the reigning champions.
Argentina has the experience and ability to defeat Canada.
Lionel Messi will be determined to lead his team to another Copa America title before he retires.
Canada has had an incredible run at this tournament, but Argentina’s strength is sure to shine as well.
- prediction: Argentina 2-0 Canada
Betting Tips
Results: Argentina wins
2.5 Goals Over/Under: Under 2.5 goals
Both sides score: no
Argentina has kept three clean sheets in the tournament but has yet to score more than two goals in a game, while Canada has also struggled to score, scoring just two in their past six games.
Both teams have solid defenses, so it’s expected to be a low-scoring game.
