Article
An Arrow Without Its Head: Chelsea’s Striking Woes
When Chelsea’s most successful manager Jose Mourinho finally made his return to Stamford Bridge, fans heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, they have got the man whom in their opinion, could bring the club back to winning ways.
In the seasons before his arrival, the foundations of a new look Chelsea side were laid out by Roman Abramovich and his team of football advisors. Ageing and underperforming players like Deco, Michael Ballack and Julianno Beletti departed the club, as the club focused on more careful buys for the future. Such buys included the likes of Brazilian duo Ramires and David Luiz, who have stepped up for the club in recent seasons. Creative leaders in attacking midfield were also bought, one in particular, Juan Mata, would go on to be the club’s best performing player for two seasons. Chelsea also did not neglect home grown talent, England international Gary Cahill was brought in to shore up the defence, while Ryan Betrand was promoted to the first team. New deals for existing veterans John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole were also renegotiated.
Last season was crucial because it also saw the bedding in of Europe’s brightest talents, namely Eden Hazard, Oscar and Victor Moses. These players gelled together in what was a season of transition for the side. In other areas, astute loan moves negotiated by the club for talented youth players such as Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Lucas Piazon also lead to them gaining adequate and crucial experience at the top flight of Europe’s biggest leagues. While such moves were risky, the loanees ability to play and excel last season meant that Mourinho arrived to the club with a ready-made blend of attacking talent awaiting him.
A look at this season’s Chelsea squad reveals a staggering amount of diversity in the midfield. Chelsea has undoubtedly bought and molded incredible players in just 3 years. For exciting out and out wingers, they have the likes Victor Moses and the newly arrived Andre Schurrle. In terms of creative players, they have the seasoned Juan Mata, precocious Oscar and returning Werder Breman Loanee Kevin De Bruyne. In Eden Hazard, Mourinho has arguably one of the most talented attacking midfielders of his generation. A player whom many believe can win the Balloon d’Or one day.
Going to deeper midfield; Ramires, John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien, Frank Lamaprd and Marco Van Ginkel represent the perfect blend of experience, energy and youth. Some players of note include Essien, who was and should be Mourinho’s go to utility man. Ramires on the other hand has proven himself a crucial driver of the Chelsea midfield engine room while Lampard holds the team together with his leadership, experience and consistency in midfield.
In defence, John Terry continues to lead from the back not only as an outstanding leader, but also an experienced defender. David Luiz follows closely as a player who is beginning to make his mark on the team with his ability to play out from the back as well as lead the team defensively in the absence of Terry. It is the consensus of many fans that the Brazilian might wear the Captain’s armband one day. For the right back position, Cesar Azipilicueta has grown into the clubs first choice right back in just one short season, while Ashley Cole continues to excel and show why he is still considered one of the best left backs in the world.
With a solid defence and midfield, Mourinho is two thirds of the way towards building a team ready to dominate the premier league for seasons to come, yet it remains startling that the Portuguese has yet to complete his team with the purchase of a world class striker.
When Mourinho bought Didier Drogba in 2004, he found the perfect striker to lead his attack. Drogba complemented his team perfectly. The Ivorian was strong, determined and a great finisher of the ball. He completed moves started from an industrious midfield and had the knack of stepping up to the plate in crucial matches. With Drogba in the side, Mourinho won back to back premier league titles. The Ivorian’s significance to the side continued even after the departure of Jose Mourinho as well as competition from Nicolas Anelka.
For fans and officials in the club, many knew that they could not afford to rely on Drogba much longer. After all, Drogba was ageing and a replacement for him had to be found. With the transfer of a 50 million pound Fernando Torres, Chelsea hoped that they had found a striker who could take over Drogba’s mantle.
There was little to doubt about Fernando Torre’s purchase at that point of time. The Spaniard was one of the best finishers in the premier league, and used his electric pace excellently to play on the shoulder of the last defender. The Spaniard was also a leader from the front, often stepping up to score in the biggest of matches (Ironically, Chelsea was the club he scored against the most prior to his move). It was believed that with the right service, Fernando Torres could be a marked improvement over Drogba. After all, Drogba was seen as a striker who excelled at fashioning chances for himself through hold up play and bullying defenders. Fernando Torres was different; he was more proficient technically, someone who could assimilate and thrive with a more creative midfield unlike Drogba who often went in attack alone with an industrious midfield behind lobbing balls to him.
Unfortunately, Chelsea made a big mistake with Torres. They bought an arrow head without forming a firm shaft first. Players that were originally bought to bring the best out of Drogba still remained at the club. Hence, it was no surprise when the Spaniard struggled in his first season after a January transfer move. In the next season however, Juan Mata, the creative Spaniard was brought in to provide the service that Fernando Torres needed. Unfortunately, Mata’s arrival coincided with poor form and injuries to Torres. Despite certain glimpses of his talent, Mata alone could not propel the Spaniard back to his former ways. In a bid to obtain results, then manager Robert Di Matteo stabilized the ship by reinstating Drogba to the starting lineup. Drogba duly won Chelsea the coveted Champions league trophy and departed the club. Now, Fernando Torres finally had the opportunity to make his mark as Chelsea’s main striker.
In the following season (last season), Chelsea learned from their mistake and worked in the next transfer window to bring in a slew of new midfielders who they thought could take over Juan Mata’s already burdensome job of creativity. They relegated veteran Florent Malouda to the sidelines, and replaced him with Eden Hazard. Oscar and Victor Moses were also brought in. In one productive transfer market, Chelsea streamlined their “shaft”, and provided Fernando Torres with the service he needed. Torres’s from evidently improved, but despite scoring 20 goals last season, many knew that it was too late for the Spaniard to recapture his impressive form at Liverpool. 3 mediocre seasons had passed and patience with the fans was wearing thin. The club recognized Torres’s failings and moved to purchase Demba Ba in January.
However, despite a promising start, the Senegal international failed to recapture his early season form at Newcastle United. Ba continued to be wasteful in front of goal despite his knack for scoring the spectacular one. Torres was brought back into the lineup and performed reasonably well (his best performance coming in the Europa league final). Sadly, his domestic form remained woeful and Ba continued to be selected ahead of him in the premier league.
Despite failings from Chelsea’s strikers, there were positives to be found from last season. One in particular, was the formation of the feared triumvirate of Oscar, Mata and Hazard. Last season also saw marked improvements in defence from David Luiz, while Spaniard Azipilicueta proved to the club that they had finally found the next best replacement to their right back position. In deeper midfield, John Obi Mikel had a solid season, while Ramires continued to establish himself as the club’s crucial midfield component. Frank Lampard also had a season of renaissance, breaking the club’s goal scoring record with inspired performances. Chelsea’s midfield and defence have finally begun to click. Mourinho’s only job now was to find the perfect arrow head to complement what was already a solid shaft.
In the first weeks of the transfer window, Chelsea predictably added further improvements to the team. Andre Schurrle was bought in to give competition to attacking midfield while Marco Van Ginkel was brought in as a potential replacement for Frank Lampard. Loanees Kevin De Bruyne and Lucas Piazon was called back to add further depth. Most notably, Romelu Lukaku, the player widely seen to be the next Didier Drogba returned triumphant from a spectacular season at West brom Albion Football club. The Belgian while young was given assurances by Mourinho that he would be able to show his worth this season. That brought the club’s tally of striker to 3, out of which only Lukaku looked the safest from Mourinho’s chopping block.
In the next few weeks, several sources claimed that Demba Ba was deemed surplus to requirements as Mourinho proceeded to trim his squad of deadwood. Meanwhile, Chelsea was linked to a host of striking talent from Radamel Falcao, Edison Cavani to Stevan Jovetic and others. While some were baseless rumours, solid interest could be confirmed for Falcao and Cavani, currently the world’s best center forwards. Falcao and Cavani would have been the best bets for Chelsea to finish their master piece. However, they were eventually captured by more lucrative projects in France and shunned moves to the premier league. With Falcao and Cavani gone, other clubs moved quickly to sign the next best strikers. Manchester City in particular, signed Stevan Jovetic and Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo while Juventus moved for Carlos Tevez within weeks.
In a shock period of frantic buying, Mourinho suddenly finds himself devoid of the final pieces to his jigsaw. The Chelsea project which the club painstakingly built and nurtured now looks set to enter the new season without a proven striker to lead the line. This is the conundrum that Mourinho now faces after indecisiveness in the transfer market. What lies next for the Portuguese?
Most Chelsea fans would be the first to vouch for young Lukaku, who has more than proven himself in the premier league last season. However, despite an excellent performance last season, premier teams will now be more wary and ready for the Belgian starlet.
The reason why Lukaku was such a success is because teams struggled against his style of play, one made famous by Didier Drogba. Lukaku dominating defences with not only pure strength and power but an added danger of terrifying pace, one that has caught defenders of guard many times last season. Furthermore, West Brom were smart to pair Lukaku with Shane Long, two forwards whose play centered around wide spaces and direct running. Lukaku stunned defenders who thought him more immobile while West Brom’s team shape gave the Belgian and Long enough areas of the pitch to make full use of their pace and drive. However, such a play style may not work in this current Chelsea squad.
For one, with technically skilled midfielders like Eden Hazard, Oscar and Mata, space required for Lukaku immediately decreases because of their tendency to dribble forward with the ball. By dribbling forward towards the penalty box, Lukaku’s ability to exploit space behind the defence decreases. Similarly, his ability to use his hold up play also decreases when the midfielders behind him play lesser long balls and more short grounded passes. In summary, there will be a high chance that Lukaku fails to adept to a different brand of service. Relying on the Belgian’s ability to swap his expansive and power driven play style last season for a more intricate technical one is a gamble Mourinho will be wary of making.
Can Rooney fit in at Chelsea?
With a potential Lukaku mismatch, it seems obvious in the recent days that Mourinho has turned to Wayne Rooney to lead the Chelsea line. The choice of Wayne Rooney is obvious, after all the English man is a proven premier league star and a consistent performer for Manchester United for 9 years straight. Rooney’s strength and ability to finish mirrors that of Drogba. However, it is Rooney’s strength in creating that also lends weight to Mourinho’s decision to sign him. After all, Rooney is also adept at playing in midfield and has an eye for a killer pass. In a way, Rooney represents a modern day False 9, one capable for creating from deeper midfield as well as lead the line as a striker. An on form Rooney will have no trouble playing with Chelsea’s attacking midfielders, forming an exciting attack that will strike fear into opposition teams next season.
However, the costs and risk of acquiring Rooney may be too high. Firstly, Rooney may not even be interested in a move to Chelsea, despite Mourinho’s open admiration for him. Chelsea will also be getting a forward who spent the last season behind Robin Van Persie and woefully out of form. Haunting images of 50 million spent on Torres would give Abramovich nightmares of a potential botched investment. Furthermore, Rooney is in his late twenties and such a move goes against the club’s policy of recruiting younger players. Hence this begets the crucial question; Are they no other possible targets in other teams right now?
While other clubs have moved to secure their targets, a few strikers remain in limbo over their futures. Among them is Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid. While Arsenal have been the main suitors for him in recent weeks, talks have stalled reportedly due to Arsenal’s reluctance to increase on their valuation for the striker. From a Mourinho standpoint, a move for Higuain could pan out because of 1) Mourinho has worked with him before and 2) Higuain is a player best suited to make full use of Chelsea’s attacking line up and fits into the clubs philosophy.
As many who have seen him play will agree, Higuain is a spectacular finisher. In fact, he has one of the highest conversion ratios in the La Liga last season and that ability of his to put the ball into the net from any area of the pitch will benefit the Chelsea team sorely lacking a cutting edge. Furthermore, Higuain is still young (25 years of age), full of pace and an intelligent runner in attack. His ability to build a strong understanding with Real Madrid’s attacking midfielders has seen him make full use of the service given to him. Higuain is also proficient enough to contribute in terms of assists. An impressive 28 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances only lend weight to his potential.
Mourinho could also look to pick up Luiz Suarez from Liverpool. However, history has shown that the Portuguese often strays away from players who have disciplinary problems and a move for Suarez may also be rejected by the club for fear of him tarnishing its reputation.
As the transfer window and pre-season progresses, Mourinho begins fine tuning his team for the season ahead. It is undeniable that years of preparation and transition of the Chelsea team have come down to this crucial season. However, without a proven striker to lead Chelsea’s line, Mourinho would risk sending his arrow into the fray without a head. That mistake, could be the difference between glory and an embarrassing defeat for the Portuguese’s first season in charge at the helm of Stamford Bridge.
Argentina will be aiming for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title when they take on Colombia
The Copa America 2024 is set for an electrifying conclusion as defending champions Argentina face off against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. This highly anticipated final marks the first-ever Copa America final meeting between these two footballing powerhouses. Argentina aim to secure a record-breaking 16th title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
Argentina’s road to the final has been marked by grit and determination. They navigated a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarter-finals before securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring, followed by a historic goal from Lionel Messi, who now stands as the second-highest male goalscorer in international football with 109 goals.
Argentina’s unbeaten streak now extends to 10 matches, and they remain unbeaten in major tournament knockout games on American soil since the 1994 World Cup. It is no understatement that they go into the clash as favourites.
Colombia are no pushovers, however. They have been in exceptional form. Since their 1-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying in February 2022, they have embarked on a record-breaking unbeaten run of 28 matches.
Jefferson Lerma’s header gave Colombia the lead before Daniel Munoz’s red card put them at a numerical disadvantage against Uruguay. Despite this setback, Colombia’s resilience shone through as they held on to secure their place in the final. The victory over Uruguay was marred by a brawl involving Uruguayan players and Colombian supporters, but Colombia’s focus remained unwavering. This final represents a chance for Colombia to end a long wait since their first Copa America triumph in 2001.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
For the final, Argentina face no injury or suspension issues. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup. The defence will feature a solid back four with Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Emiliano Martinez as the goalkeeper.
In the midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul are anticipated to keep their places, even though Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios are pushing for a start. Angel Di Maria is poised for his international farewell on the right wing. Alexis Mac Allister, who has been impressive on the international stage, will play a crucial role, linking up with Messi from the midfield.
Lionel Messi, who overcame a leg injury to play the full match against Canada, will lead the attack alongside Julian Alvarez. Lautaro Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, is expected to begin on the bench and should be brought on in the second half.
Predicted Playing XI (4-4-2): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lis. Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, E. Fernandez, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez
Colombia
With Daniel Munoz suspended, Santiago Arias is set to start at right-back, joining Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, and Johan Mojica in a solid four-man backline. Camilo Vargas will likely be the goalkeeper.
In midfield, Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos are expected to form the double pivot, providing protection for the defence and allowing the attacking players to push forward.
Captain James Rodriguez, who has recorded a tournament-high six assists, will continue in the number 10 role. He will be supported by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias on the flanks.
Jhon Cordoba, who has contributed with two goals and two assists, is expected to lead the attack, with Jhon Duran and Rafael Santos Borre available as options.
Predicted Playing XI (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Key Stats
- Victory will see Argentina win their 16th Copa America title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s illustrious history.
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last 28 international games.
- Argentina have won 26 of their 43 meetings against Colombia in all competitions.
- A win for Colombia will see them win just their second Copa America title, their first since 2001.
Match Deciding Duel
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) vs James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Argentina have been solid in defence and penetrating their backline has proven to be a challenge for most sides in the competition. Colombia have a rather dynamic attack but will depend on the veteran James Rodriguez to act as the playmaker.
With the likes of Luis Diaz able to make the most of opportunities, the onus will be on Enzo Fernandez to ensure Rodriguez does not have space to manoeuvre in. The duel between the two players could certainly set the tone for which way the cookie crumbles on the night.
Prediction
Argentina 2-1 Colombia
The clash is likely to be an entertaining one with the midfield battle expected to set the tone for the result. Argentina. however, have more strength in depth and the ability to bring a player of Lautaro Martinez’s calibre off the bench in the second half is akin to a cheat code. The Inter Milan star is expected to lead the defending champions to a close 2-1 win on the night.
Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final
As Euro 2024 reaches its climax, the football world braces for a thrilling final between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This highly anticipated match will determine the champions of Europe, with Spain looking to add to their illustrious history and England aiming to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy for the first time.
Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente, entered the tournament somewhat under the radar but quickly established themselves as a formidable contender. They navigated the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with ease, securing nine points from three matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Impressively, they emerged from the group stage without conceding a goal to an opposition player.
In the knockout stages, Spain demonstrated their resilience and quality. A stunning 4-1 comeback against Georgia in the last-16 and a tense extra-time victory over hosts Germany in the quarter-finals showcased their grit and talent. The semi-final against France was another test of their mettle, with young star Lamine Yamal lighting up the Allianz Arena and Dani Olmo sealing the win.
Spain’s journey to the final has not been without challenges, but their blend of experience and youthful exuberance has seen them through. They now stand on the brink of history, aiming to become the first European men’s team to win four major tournaments consecutively.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Gareth Southgate’s men had a mixed group stage, winning only once against Serbia and drawing against Denmark and Slovenia. Their knockout phase has been a tale of resilience and drama, coming from behind in both the last-16 and quarter-finals.
A lacklustre win over Slovakia and a penalty shootout victory against Switzerland set the stage for a semi-final clash with the Netherlands. Despite early setbacks, including a goal from Dutch prodigy Xavi Simons, England produced their best performance of the tournament. A late winner from Ollie Watkins, following a perfect penalty from Harry Kane, propelled them to their second consecutive Euro final.
Southgate’s squad has shown incredible determination and character, setting new records along the way. Kane’s scoring feats and the team’s ability to perform under pressure have been pivotal to their success.
We take a look at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News and Predicted XI
Spain
Spain’s bad-tempered quarter-final against Germany saw Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand fall foul of the referee, leading to their suspensions for the semi-final. Both players are now back at De la Fuente’s disposal, bringing much-needed fresh legs to the Roja XI. Carvajal will replace Jesus Navas, while Le Normand should push Nacho to the bench.
Spain are expected to maintain a 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simon in goal. Daniel Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should hold the flanks in defence, while Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte should form the centre-back pairing. Rodri should form the midfield pivot, with Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz pushing forward.
Skipper Alvaro Morata should lead the line with the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing support. Morata was initially a concern given his freak injury after the win against France. Thankfully for Spain, he trained normally and should lead them out.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams
England
England arrive in Berlin with a fully fit squad, including Luke Shaw, who has recovered from injury. Shaw’s performance against Switzerland and his effective stint in the semi-final suggests he may start, replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back.
Southgate is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Jordan Pickford will guard the goal, with a back three of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi.
Shaw and Kyle Walker will operate as wing-backs, while Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham form the midfield pivot. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will support captain Harry Kane in attack. Southgate has enough game-changers on the bench and it remains to be seen if he will have the nerve to make bold calls or play the long game and roll the dice.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Key Stats
- A victory on the night will see Spain secure their fourth title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
- A win for England will see them triumph in the European Championships for the first time in their history.
- Spain and England have faced off 27 times in all competitions. La Roja have won 10 games while England have won 14. Three games ended in a draw.
- England have never lost to Spain in a UEFA European Championship clash before.
Match Deciding Duel
Lamine Yamal (Spain) vs Luke Shaw (Spain)
Lamal has been a critical difference-maker for Spain in this year’s tournament and will hope to end it on a high. Up against the recently returned Luke Shaw, he will aim to run rings against the English veteran.
Shaw’s ability to get caught out could provide Yamal the space he needs to run into and put the English backline into disarray. This should also subsequently free up Dani Olmo to make his trademarks into the box.
Prediction
Spain 1-1 England (Spain to Win on Penalties)
England will be keen to end their trophy drought and also go one better than last time around. While they have a strong squad with plenty of depth, Southgate’s inability to take calculated risks should play right into Spain’s hands. It remains unlikely that the trophy will go ‘home’ anytime soon.
Argentina and Canada will face off in the first semifinal of Copa America 2024, a repeat of the competition opener from Group A
Canada have a golden opportunity to make history as they face defending champions Argentina in the first semi-final of Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
In a rematch of their tournament opener, Canada can become the second CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America final. Both sides advanced to the semi-finals via penalty shootouts, with Argentina defeating Ecuador and Canada overcoming Venezuela after 1-1 draws in regular time respectively.
Argentina’s path to the semi-finals has been fortified by their exceptional defence and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The victory over Ecuador secures their fifth consecutive appearance in the Copa America semi-finals. Historically, Argentina have been strong at this stage, progressing in seven of their last eight attempts, with the only setback being against Brazil in 2019.
A triumph on Tuesday would mark the first time Argentina reached the Copa America final as defending champions since 1959. Scaloni’s team has been defensively sound, conceding just once throughout the tournament. The Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, allowing only three goals during this period.
On the other hand, Canada has shown remarkable resilience since their initial loss to Argentina. Jesse Marsch’s squad has conceded just once in their last three games. They are the third CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America semi-finals in their debut appearance, following Honduras and Mexico. They are also the first from the region to advance this far since the USA in 2016.
This semi-final marks Canada’s fifth appearance in the final four of a continental tournament this century. They have progressed beyond this stage twice, in the 2023 Nations League and the 2000 Gold Cup. Canada aims to emulate Mexico’s 2001 Copa America run, where Mexico reached the final before losing to Colombia.
Argentina’s defensive stability and tactical discipline under Scaloni will be pivotal, also giving their world-class frontline a base to build upon. Canada, under Marsch, has transformed into a more disciplined and resilient team. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies will be crucial in breaking down Argentina’s defence. SoccerSouls takes a closer look at this clash.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
Lionel Messi was not at his best against Ecuador and will be keen to make amends for the penalty miss in the shootout. he missed the final group game with a hamstring injury but now appears to be back to full fitness.
Lionel Scaloni is likely to retain his flexible 4-3-3 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes should perform the role of the pivot in the centre, giving Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister and the dynamic Rodrigo De Paul the freedom to push forward. Lionel Messi is expected to don the playmaker’s role with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez leading the line. Angel Di Maria will offer Argentina another option off the bench should they need to shift gears.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez
Canada
Inter Milan Tajon Buchanan remains a major doubt for Canada after he suffered a broken tibia during training just days before their match against Venezuela. This injury puts his participation in doubt not just for the semi-final clash against Argentina but also for the remainder of the tournament.
Jesse Marsch has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from for the clash and is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Maxime Crépeau in goal. The shot-stopper should be protected by the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio should form the double pivot, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker. Cyle Larin should start up front, with Richie Laryea and Jacob Shaffelburg providing support out wide.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin
Key Stats
- Argentina have never conceded a goal against Canada.
- Argentina have not lost a major tournament match on U.S. soil since a 3-2 defeat to Romania in the 1994 World Cup’s round of 16.
- A win on the night will see Canmada make it to their first-ever Copa America final at the first time of asking.
- Argentina have not made it to the final of the competition as defending champions since 1959.
Match Deciding Duel
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) vs Derek Cornelius (Canada)
Lautaro Martinez is the top scorer in the tournament this season and has made it a habit of scoring late goals for Argentina. This augurs well for a side that is defensively compact, giving them a second wind to settle the game as the opposition gets tired. Derek Cornelius will have his hands full all night but will know that he cannot slack off for even a second with Martinez on the prowl.
Argentina’s ability to score late coupled with Canada’s vulnerabilities in the second half of the game makes for a thrilling finale in the final 30 minutes of the first semifinal. While Argentina do have several threats and matchwinners in their lineup, Martinez’s clinical touch has given them the edge this summer. He will certainly be aiming to make a difference once again on Tuesday.
Transfer Watch
Jonathan David
The LOSC Lille attacker is Canada’s trump card going forward and is expected to leave the Ligue 1 giants this summer. David is a pacy player whose ability to get into space and clinical ability in the box helps make a difference. While several clubs are keeping tabs on him, a solid showing against the defending FIFA World Cup holders will only help boost his profile among potential suitors.
David will be up against the meanest defence in the competition on the night. The duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez aren’t just formidable defenders but their ‘take no prisoners’ approach will certainly add a physical element to the duel. David is unlikely to come up against a meaner backline in the competition and how well he handles this challenge could determine his stock this summer.
Prediction
Argentina 2-0 Canada
Both teams will be familiar with each other having felt each other out on the opening day. The stakes are much higher this time round and Canada will be hoping for a monumental upset. Argentina were handed a late scare against Ecuador and that perhaps will ensure they don’t take Tuesday’s game for granted. The game should be a hard-fought one with Argentina’s match winners making the difference in the second half of the game.
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