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Chelsea Season Review: Mourinho Has Benitez And Di Matteo To Thank For

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Chelsea season review

It has been a whirlwind season for Chelsea who started strongly after their triumph over Bayern Munich in the Champions league final in 2011/2012. The Blues lost inspirational striker Didier Drogba, but made several astute deals in the transfer market, including the capture of precocious Belgian starlet Eden Hazard. The Chelsea back room have done a great job of buying new foundations to this Chelsea team, but Robert Di Matteo had to prove he was worth the shot.

Arguably, it would seem that despite a strong start (where Chelsea were briefly top of the table), draws and losses against Juventus and Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions league prompted a swift change in managerial faith. It would be Rafa Benitez (much to the ire of fans) who made the cut as interim manager while Robert Di Matteo was shown the door despite winning the Champions league and FA Cup the season before.

While Rafa Benitez endured a shaky start, his aptitude in balancing a relatively small Chelsea squad paid dividends in the end. Under Benitez, the Blues shored up their leaky defence and played in a more disciplined and rigid structure. Striker Fernando Torres also managed to play better, breaking the 20 goal duct in his 3rd season, albeit most of the goals coming from the Europa league.

At the end of the season, Chelsea saw off competition from Arsenal and Tottenham to finish at 3rd place, guaranteeing Champions League football for the next season. While Rafa Benitez steered Chelsea to a triumphant win over Benifica in the Europa league to become the first ever back to back European Champions. Ironically, that title still brings more derision that pride. Nevertheless, Rafa Benitez could call his Chelsea stint a job well done.

Let us now have a look at the player highlights of the season.

The Virtuoso Magician and the Brazilian Madman

Juan Mata has certainly come a long way since starting his career at Real Madrid’s youth team. The then starlet moved to Valencia in a bid to gain more game time. His good performances at Valencia earned him a move to Chelsea as one of Andre Villas Boas’s buys. It has been smooth sailing ever since.

There’s a lot to like about the Spaniard and little to hate. As a person, fans are drawn to his calm and mature persona. The Spaniard is a gentleman on and off the pitch unlike other more controversial players in the league. On pitch, his skill and vision as a central playmaker has seen him rack up a season total of 21 goals and 29 assists. A whopping 50 goals scored or assisted in a single season. All these were racked up in 60 games giving a return of nearly 1 goal created or scored in a single match! Such statistics are a testament to his stamina and consistency to the team. And at only 25 years of age, it would be hard to bet against him replicating such form in the next season.

Meanwhile, David Luiz also finished the season well. The Brazilian international has endured a torrent criticism during the first half of the season at Stamford Bridge, where pundits and fans were quick to disparage him for the side’s leaky defence. It was arguably the shift to center midfield during an injury crisis that saw him contribute spellbinding performances. Who could forget his long range “Ronaldo” like free kicks or his thunderbolts and curlers from beyond the penalty box?

Much later in the season, a return to fitness of other midfielders led to the Brazilian retaking his place in the defence, where his performances improved markedly. Luiz is undoubtedly a gem in this Chelsea side that wears his passions for the club on his sleeve. Many Chelsea fans are already in agreement that he would be a fantastic captain when John Terry leaves.

Undoubtedly, the Brazilian will be a crucial cog in the Chelsea team no matter where he plays.

The living, playing Legend

He has done it, 203 goals scored; breaking Bobby Tambling’s all time goal scoring record. When Frank Lampard made his move from West Ham, who would have known that the young midfielder from West Ham would eventually break that record at 34 years of age, 12 years later?

Lampard has finally cemented his place as Chelsea’s greatest goal scorer. This accomplishment attained by Lampard this season would be the highlight of many fans that have grown up seeing super Frank in blue colours. The midfielder has been an omnipresent conductor in the Chelsea Engine room and has never failed to be a first choice player under any manager.

Lampard’s achievement was made even more impressive, given that he has played the whole of his career as a midfielder and in the past few seasons, as a deep lying playmaker. While the Midfielder has set new records for himself, the club has made the right decision in retaining Lampard for another year.

Although he is in the twilight of his career, Lampard continues to hit double figures in goals every season. Furthermore, his stamina and consistency is nothing short of spectacular. An underrated side to his game that could help Chelsea would be his vision and playmaking abilities, a crucial quality that will be needed if Chelsea fails to find an adequate box to box midfielder.

The German Experiment

Marko Marin arguably earns the title of being the most unfortunate Chelsea player in terms of game time and performance. While the German dazzled in preseason, injuries and poor form have seen him relegated to the bench. Despite Chelsea playing a huge number of games, the German has only been able to make a handful of starts, most of which he played badly in.

The German is not the worst player in the Chelsea team in terms of skill and ability. After all, he was once heralded as the “German Messi” for his dribbling and playmaking ability. When on song, Marin offers a superb range of passing abilities and incisive dribbling. He can be a strong backup and provide competition to the 3 amigos (Aka Mata Hazard and Oscar).

Sadly, with rumours stating that Marko Marin will be swapped for German striker Andre Schurlle, Stamford Bridge could bid farewell to yet another German player who failed to make the cut.

The New kids on the Block

With a huge influx of young talented players, it is Eden Hazard and Oscar in particular who have stood out among the rest. The duo has formed a dangerous triumvirate with club talisman Juan Mata this season. Commonly referred to as the “The Three Amigos”, each Amigo brings his own unique quality to the Chelsea attack. Eden Hazard pace, trickery and directness continues to turn defenders inside out on the flanks. On the other hand, Oscar’s wide range of passing and silky dribbling complements that of Mata as the duo look constantly to find gaps in the opponents defence. Together, they have formed a unique blend of pace, trickery and incisive passing which has been the bane of numerous defences this season.

Another revelation this season would have to be Cesar Azipilicueta, the young Spanish right back from Marseille. Cesar impresses with his industry and defensive strengths. With him at right back, Chelsea have been able to rein in the likes of premier league danger men Gareth Bale and Ashley Young. Strong performances have cemented him as the side’s predominant right back, displacing Branislav Ivanovic from a role which he has made his own in previous years.

An honourable mention goes to Victor Moses, the Nigerian Winger who has seen his fortunes take a turn for the better under Rafa Benitez.

Originally bought from Wigan for a mere 9 million pounds, Moses was a relatively quiet arrival compared to the likes of Oscar and Hazard. Many had even wondered whether he could fit into the team. While Robert Di Matteo fancied Moses mostly as an impact substitute, it was Rafa Benitez who saw potential in Moses and trusted him with numerous starts.

In the subsequent games, Moses’s trickery, pace and attacking strengths repaid Benitez’s faith in him. The Nigerian even managed to displace Brazil wonder kid Oscar from the starting line-up. His success is mainly due to his play style, being the only out and out winger in the squad. What he brings in attacking width and effectiveness makes him so indispensable for Benitez.

Our eyes remain glued on how these 4 players improve on their progress next season.

Player to Watch

Nathanial Ake joined Chelsea in a controversial transfer from Feyenoord in 2011, fighting off competition from several European clubs such as Man City. In the Chelsea, youth team he was a regular starter for the Blues in their 2011/12 FA Youth Cup triumph. These good displays promoted him to the club’s reserve side during 2012.

Rafael Benitez has given Ake the chance to step up in to the first team this season. He made his first appearance on Chelsea’s bench in their 5-1 defeat of Leeds in the League Cup on the 19th December. One week later he made his Premier League debut as a late substitute against Norwich. Replacing Juan Mata in the 90th minute he became Chelsea’s youngest player to play this season.

Ake’s strength lies in his dribbling and defensive acumen. He is also noted for being well capable of playing in numerous different roles for his club. Ake can be seen as a possible back up to the defence of midfield, although his better performances this season has come from the middle of the pitch, where he fairs better away from rough challenges (an aspect he struggles in due to his size).

Should Ake stay next season, Chelsea fans might finally see the first youth team player in a long time to make the cut in the first team. Although a loan move to gain experience would seem more likely than a punt in the first team at Stamford Bridge.

A Final Thought

Mourinho Has Benitez And Di Matteo To Thank For

Mourinho Has Benitez And Di Matteo To Thank For

With the season coming to a close, Chelsea can thank themselves for the hard work put in to win the Europa league and achieve Champions league placing. The best game played would arguably have to be the Europa League final, where a looping header by Ivanovic spelled an end to a closely fought game. While it was “only” a Europa League final, the confidence and determination in the Chelsea players showed that day, one that reminded many fans of Chelsea’s impressive run towards becoming Champions League winners last season.

There is tremendous potential in this Chelsea team, and the real challenge lies in taking full advantage of it. While this year can be marked as a transitory one, the real challenge lies in the next season, when Jose Mourinho starts off where he left.

In a way, Mourinho will have Rafa Benitez and Roberto Di Matteo to thank, for helping him steady a shaky Chelsea ship full of mercurial talents. In one season, the Spaniard and Italian have experimented to find out the best and worst of this Chelsea side. The time is right, for Mourinho to add his own flavour into the Chelsea squad, and challenge for greater heights next season.

 

Argentina

Argentina vs Colombia: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More

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Argentina vs Colombia: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

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

Argentina vs Colombia: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

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

Argentina vs Colombia: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

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 vs Colombia: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

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.

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Spain vs England: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More

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Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final.

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

Spain vs England: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

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

Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final.

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.

Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final.

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.

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Argentina vs Canada: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More

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Argentina vs Canada: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More

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

Argentina vs Canada: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

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

Argentina vs Canada: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

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)
Argentina vs Canada: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

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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