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English Championship Preview 2013/2014 – A Complete Guide
With the start of the Championship just a few days away, excitement is starting to boil over for all football fans, players and staff. After last season’s unbelievable twists, turns and drama fuelled events I sometimes wonder if it can keep getting better on the entertainment value season after season. However I then think that this is the Championship and I am sure it will keep getting better and better with incredible dramatic matches and events.
I am going to give you my thoughts on each team’s chances in the league next season but as I am no psychic I will most likely be miles off with the unpredictability of the division.
Even if I was psychic I’m sure nobody could predict this league!
First up is Barnsley and after literally scrapping their way to safety on the final day last season by one point I can’t see a much different time this campaign round. As for transfers so far they have brought in players from lower teams such as Jean-Yves Mvoto from Oldham. As for their manager David Flitcroft I feel he has the passion for the club and he says the right things but I believe it will be too much of an uphill struggle to keep them in the league. Prediction – 22nd
With Birmingham City this season I can’t see them springing any surprises or doing anything special. I think that they will certainly be safe and just be stuck in the cluster of teams in the middle of the division. With Lee Clark I just don’t feel he has the same love and passion for the Blues as he did for Huddersfield and he has a very tough job to do there and please the St. Andrews faithful. As for ins and outs nothing jumps out at me so to speak but having sold two of their best players in Curtis Davies and Nathan Redmond to Premier League opposition won’t please the fans too much. The only in comings that I rate are the ones of Kyle Bartley and tricky winger Shane Ferguson. These two are more or less like for like to whom left the club and I feel Ferguson is a very skilful winger with great technical ability and could have a part to play at his parent club Newcastle United in the future. Prediction – 14th
If Blackburn Rovers are to spring any surprises this season then they will have to tighten up at the back and turn more draws into wins and the only way I can see them doing that is with their strike force of Jordan Rhodes and DJ Campbell which on paper looks a terrific goals filled partnership. They have only lost one key player in my opninion and that’s the one of Martin Olsson who has also made the step up to the Premier League. However having said this they have brought in quite a few new faces in Matt Kilgallon, Alex Marrow and Chris Taylor. Prediction –17th
Things haven’t been looking so bright for the tangerine army of Blackpool lately. Since father of young starlet Tom Ince, Paul came in things started looking rocky for the seaside club. Tom wasn’t playing as free flowing as he was when he was tearing up the league at the start of the campaign and results were just not happening. However this will now be Paul’s first full season in charge and also son Tom has now chosen to stay maybe they could turn things around for the better. They have recently recruited two new decent strikers in Steven Davies and Michael Chopra. Everyone knows what Chopra can do after seeing him find the net so many times over his illustrious career and Davies is also a big striker that could work well with Michael as the little and large combination. Prediction – 12th
After Brighton & Hove Albion suffered play-off heartache to eventual winners Crystal Palace and with the whole incident involving Gus Poyet, things seem slightly unsettled down at the AMEX. Having not heard much about new boss Oscar Garcia it is hard to know how they will do until we have seen him in action and also he hasn’t really brought in any new recruits yet apart from the permanent deal of Matthew Upson. I think if they can hold on to the good talent already at the club then they should be battling at the top end of the table throughout. Prediction – 6th
This campaign I think Bolton Wanderers are set for a good season and could possibly reach the play-off places. They were struggling for the best part of last season until Dougie Freedman came in and steadied the ship and took the Lancashire side on a superb run and flew up the table which saw them in the end just miss out on the play-offs by goal difference. Having just heard the horrific news that midfielder Stuart Holden has been ruled out for the whole season due to injury once more. I’m sure he will be sorely missed and will be back playing fully fit soon. However on the other hand I think the signing of Jermaine Beckford will be a terrific one. As he showed at Leeds United and at Everton he is a natural born goal scorer and when he gets in a rhythm he can’t stop. His goals could potentially be the key to get this Bolton side back in the big time. Prediction – 5th
New comers Bournemouth and all the promoted teams are set for a long, old, tough gruelling season battling for survival. Although I see Eddie Howe’s side to have the best chance of staying up out of the three new teams because Howe is a very good young manager and he injects the right sort of attitude and playing style into his players. With his current crop’s chemistry he obviously wants a few bigger names to strengthen and has already brought in the experience of Ian Harte. They have also been linked with the likes of Simeon Jackson which I thought would be a good signing. Prediction – 20th
I can only see another mid table mediocrity season for Burnley. The claret and blue faithful must be completely reliant on talisman Charlie Austin to stay if they are in with any chance of building more and more wins. He was there saviour last season and after strangely failing a medical at Premier League side Hull City so many more clubs are looking at him. Burnley will do well to hold onto him. Prediction – 16th
Charlton Athletic finished 9th in their first season back in the Championship which is an outstanding achievement for Chris Powell’s men considering the teams below them and the squad he worked with. I can’t see them reaching the heights of the play-offs however I still think they will go under the limelight all season and be fairly comfortable. Prediction – 13th
Derby County are probably another one of those who perhaps went under the radar and overachieved last season finishing in 10th place but they are clearly getting something right. I think they will definitely be safe again this season as with the likes of promising youngsters Will Hughes and Johnny Russell catching my eye. This could be the season where Will Hughes will play more or less every game and solidify his place and importance in the team and the Rams will do extremely well to hold onto this creative midfielder in a few years’ time. Prediction – 10th
Doncaster Rovers are going to find it difficult to pick up enough points to stay up in my opinion however they do have a good manager in Paul Dickov but if they are to surprise us all they will have to invest more than they have already and get some bigger talents to keep them alive. Although never forget that this is the Championship and anything can happen, they could win it. Prediction – 23rd
I think Huddersfield Town are not going to have a comfortable season, they know they will have to work extremely hard and fight for their place in this incredibly competitive league. Having said that I feel they have brought in quite a few decent players so far in Jon Stead, Jonathan Hogg, Martin Paterson, James Vaughan and Adam Hamill. I don’t think Robins has the passion that Lee Clark has although if he gets that chemistry bonding well like they did in League 1 with a few more goals then they should be okay. Prediction – 18th
In my opinion, if Ipswich Town didn’t have Mick McCarthy in charge then they would have been more destined for the drop. However with Mick in charge I just feel he will get the best out of his players and will bring in new signings made to stabilise the club and there place in this division. Prediction – 15th
Leeds United look much more stable in the hands of Brian McDermott and now with the black cloud which is Ken Bates having nothing to do with the club this could be a new era with much brighter skies looming in the future for the one time Champions League side? I can see a much promising season for the Yorkshire side however it will take them a couple more seasons to develop a reach the play-offs in my opinion. Brian has brought in three new faces to Elland Road with Matt Smith, Luke Murphy and Noel Hunt joining the whites. I think these are all good signings as Hunt is a proven goal scorer at any level and will not stop running for the entirety which is what the fans love, especially at Leeds. Also Matt Smith a massive centre forward who proved at Oldham he can boss around Premier League defences and he looks a huge threat in the air. Finally Luke Murphy who arrived from Crewe Alexandra is a bright young midfielder looking to kick his career onto the next step. Prediction – 9th
Every single season before it kicks-off Leicester City are up there with the bookies favourites to win the league outright as you look at their squad on paper and it is inevitably strong. However they always seem to fall short and run out of steam like last season losing in the play-offs in one of the most dramatic events ever seen against Watford. I really don’t think they don’t have many areas to strengthen, that’s how strong their squad looks so it all depends on the performances on the pitch. Prediction – 4th
After the wheels completely fell off Middlesbrough’s season Tony Mowbray will be looking to steady the ship and get the north east side back firing which they are very capable of turning it on like that. Mowbray doesn’t seem so confident about many new faces arriving which isn’t promising for them but I think they will be fine. Prediction – 11th
I fear very much for Millwall this season as the rock that was Kenny Jackett has now moved onto Wolves and I just think that they will just lose it for a few years as I am not sure about the inexperience of Steve Lomas managerial capabilities. I have predicted that they will survive by one place therefore will be a tight one. Only time will tell this however. Prediction – 21st
Nottingham Forest are most certainly going to be there or there abouts as they seem to be getting stronger and stronger with time. The signing of Jamie Mackie from QPR is an exceptional one as he has unbelievable work rate to go with his goals and creativity which the fans will take to straight away. I’m sure QPR will be distraught that he has moved on. I think they are in for a really good season and Billy Davies might finally do it. Prediction – 3rd
As much off a disastrous season as QPR had last season it is difficult to see Harry Redknapp failing to do what he does best and get the best out of his players. He has already stamped his own authority on the hoops by signing Karl Henry, Danny Simpson and veteran stalwart Richard Dunne. Although Harry took a huge blow when a fee was agreed for striker Gary Hooper then a few days later he had signed for Premier League outfit Norwich. However I believe a really good season is in order and as hard as it is I see promotion. Prediction – 2nd
Similarly enough I also think that Reading will put there awful season behind them and bounce right back up. I think this mainly because it is Nigel Adkins’ first full season in charge and he has proved many a time what he can do. As for transfers I am still in complete shock that Championship side have signed former Real Madrid and Everton star Royston Drenthe. That is a terrific signing as he is sure to get a bag full of goals along with assists and flair. You might raise your eye brows that I have predicted this Royal side to finish top of the pile but who knows who will win it. It is just too tight to call in my opinion. Prediction – 1st
After finishing in 18th place last season, Sheffield Wednesday will have an identical season in my opinion. They can’t attract the sufficient players in order to propel themselves up the table and I think they will just be close to the drop for the vast majority of the season but still be safe come the season close which I guess is the most important thing at the moment. Prediction – 19th
Last season Watford faltered in a tentative play-off final to Crystal Palace which must be awful for Gianfranco Zola and everyone involved with the club. He will be looking to bounce back stronger especially with the permanent signings of a few Udinese players and Lewis Mcgugan. However I think they will have a good season still but just fall short of the play-off places. Prediction – 8th
With Wigan Athletic it is a tricky one as they have never been relegated so we don’t know what they are like in the Championship. They could go one or two ways, they could struggle and keep plummeting the wrong way or they could bounce back the other way. With Roberto Martinez moving onto Everton, that left Owen Coyle to get the job who is known for getting his teams up and motivating his players but can he do it with this Wigan side? Well I am very impressed with the signings that have been made so far including James Perch, Chris Mccann, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Scott Carson and Grant Holt. I feel Grant Holt especially is a terrific signing as he has recently shown that he can still score plenty of goals and be a nuisance in the Premier League. Prediction – 6th
As Yeovil Town have a brilliant manager in Gary Johnson I just can’t see anything other than relegation back down to League 1 for me. The squad’s strength and depth will just not be enough to keep them up in my opinion but who knows. Prediction – 24th
What we do know is that it is certain to throw us off course month after month but will provide us with none stop entertainment and drama.
What we love best about the beautiful game.
1st Reading
2nd QPR
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3rd Forest
4th Leicester
5th Bolton
6th Wigan
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7th Brighton
8th Watford
9th Leeds
10th Derby
11th Boro
12th Blackpool
13th Charlton
14th Birmingham
15th Ipswich
16th Burnley
17th Blackburn
18th Huddersfield
19th Sheff Wed
20th Bournemouth
21st Millwall
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22nd Barnsley
23rd Doncaster
24th Yeovil
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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