Article
How US Soccer Is Like A Crack Addict’s Brain!
Have you ever had trouble losing weight? Well, if you’re a fan and supporter of American football (or even football in general), last month’s “shocking, eh?” results in the 2013 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) U-17 World Cup Qualification Championships in Panama, combined with the opening performance of the United States U-20 Men’s National Team in Group-Play of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey “might” make you smile.
The embarrassing and putrid performance by the purported best of the best possible futures for the United State’s Full National Team; the US U-17s, lost to Honduras 1-3…score was 1-3 by the 68th minute…on a neutral field…for the first-time…with 7 of the 11 starters tied to the United States Soccer Federation (USSF or US Soccer) Developmental Academy…with a berth in the FIFA U-17 World Cup on the line…I’m sure you get the picture and if not, then too bad, because I am unable to type anymore due to my constant need to regurgitate and my continued loss of weight and diminishing energy level from seemingly non-stop trips to the restroom with every continued thought of this…all more than a month before our U-20s were introduced by Spain (1-4) to the World Cup stage like a new student is introduced to his new school’s inner-city based playground; harshly, quickly and without any sign of revocation.
!@#!$%!^$%$&^%*^*$&^(*)&)*&()*^)^%#$&@#%&!@%#^$&^%*^*^&$%$@%#@$#^%^&%*&^(()*^&*$%^$@%#!@#%$#^$&%&(^*^)^(&%^*%$&#^$@%#@%$&^*&(^
…I’m so sorry about that…I had to quickly hop away from the keyboard and bolt to the restroom once again and allow my body to painfully bring-up even more of whatever I have eaten recently…I will try and be a strong soldier and hold it in until I am able to complete this blog…again my apologies.
Now, where were we? Oh yeah…don’t remind me!
This is going to be one long and difficult piece to write -however, I could just shut down the computer and say, “…oh well – here we go again…” – but, if I chose to do that, then I would find myself falling victim to the same problem that so many American football minds have found themselves suppressed by and you know what: I’m only 190 pounds and I can’t afford to be giving up any extra poundage without a legitimate reason…and guess what Mr. Gulati – losing by a brace to Honduras that quickly, on a neutral field and with that many of our “promised lads” suited up is NOT a legitimate reason to me! Yet, don’t worry Weight Watchers; according to US Soccer and our football experts in the United States, much of what you the American football fan has been told about how to lose weight may be wrong.
According to the football pundits, common weight loss myths include the beliefs that slow (re: unnoticeable to the point of regression) progress is more sustainable than a mere manifestation of the fruits of our labor or that setting aggressive goals may discourage people from their “love and enjoyment of the game.” – IDIOTS!!!!!!
Interestingly enough, regardless of what our football ‘leaders’ try to do, more often than; it turns out the opposite is true.
The Arthritic Levels of Dysfunction
Let’s face it – I know it sounds like the same story-different song…and…been there-heard that, but we just seem to be having a hard time keeping it together lately. Football in America is more delusional, underdeveloped and inept than ever. US Soccer, while on the same tangent and while they do mean well, is becoming ever more dysfunctional, seemingly unable to come to grips with ever-spiraling deficits in Player Development.
There are two levels of dysfunction – personal and collective – that US Soccer is currently struggling with. Facing two such reflectistic levels of dysfunction simultaneously surely must be a coincidence, right? After all, the give-and-take of the representative democracy of the Federation’s membership is a completely different process from the infinitely complex tangle of neurons and synapses that underlie individual decision making. However, if one addiction researcher’s groundbreaking ideas are correct, then US Soccer’s plans tend to fall apart for the very same reasons as our individual attempts at self-control.
To better understand this; let’s begin by correlating these levels of dysfunction to something that we all should be at least somewhat familiar with: Arthritis.
Arthritis is caused by inflammation in one or more of our body’s joints. Though there are many causes of arthritis, the most common type results from just consistent and simple wear and tear to a particular joint of the body. Physicians refer this to common type of arthritis as “osteoarthritis” or sometimes it’s even called “degenerative joint disease. “
Like any well used hinge, the joints in any active body will become more and more worn with time. We do have cartilage to “absorb” the shock of the consistent impact of our bones clanging on each other with every movement we make, however; this shock-absorbing cartilage will eventually thin and the slick synovial fluid that covers it and supplies lubrication becomes sticky, making our joints feel stiff. This stiffness eventually gives way to pain with movement which eventually becomes a persistent pain. I heard one sufferer of osteoarthritis describe the discomfort by saying, “My knee feels like an aching tooth.”
So, with this comparison in mind, we can move forward and get into the heart of the discussion where the real point is to be made. An aching tooth is extremely painful…arthritis is extremely painful and what we’re seeing from US Soccer is also extremely painful. Never-the-less; the differences are: an aching tooth can be easily cured by a dentist or an oral surgeon…arthritis, while it can’t be cured it’s symptoms can eased and manipulated through physical therapy and medication…US Soccer just keeps on coming back to the same place over and over again like they are addicted to their own mediocrity – just like a crack addict.
So, basically what I’m saying is; US Soccer and other similar Federations operate a lot like an addict’s brain.
The Brain of an Addict
Building upon the arthritis platform in order to further understand why; let’s now take a look at an ice cream cone; a chocolate one to be specific. It’s delicious, creamy and oozing chocolaty goodness. How could you ever say NO to something like that? Well, the problem is that while ice cream cones are nice, so are other things; such as not getting fat! So, as we walk down the sidewalk through the mouth-watering aromas wafting out of the corner Ben & Jerry’s, we somehow have to balance these two conflicting desires: the “niceness” of the ice-cream…or…the “niceness” of ‘not getting fat.’
Some psychologists, notably Troy Ragmouister at the University of Florida, argue that willpower is a muscle and that by flexing it we can consciously choose to resist the urge to eat the delicious ice-cream cone in favor of a more long-term goal of “staying slim.”
Gregory Alisworth, a research psychiatrist and professor of economics, takes a different view. He argues that there is no central governor in the brain that decides to prioritize one goal over another. Instead, he proposes that our minds are teeming with dozens of autonomous agents or “interests;” each of which is constantly struggling to see its respective choice implemented. The one that wins, or gets selected, is the one whose goal seems most compelling at the time. Something that’s very rewarding (like being thin) but far away can lose out to something that’s only mildly rewarding (eating ice cream) but immediately available.
It’s no wonder our society tends to eat too much delicious, but unhealthy food. However, what’s really interesting is the reason why people sometimes don’t. Alisworth suggests that we don’t just compare, say, eating ice cream in the present with being thin a year into the future. Instead, we compare eating ice cream in the present with the sum total of every day of being thin from now until we die. When we look at it in that light, the goal of being thin isn’t just big, it’s enormous.
Therefore; the key to this whole puzzle is that at a subconscious level, your brain must trust itself. In other words, the interests that are competing for attention in our decision-making processes right now have to believe that the interests that will be in competition for that same attention tomorrow will also be able to look at the long-term view, as well. Your brain has to earnestly believe that it will maintain this agenda of self-control essentially forever. If it thinks that tomorrow it will fail, the whole process will break down. When that occurs, you’ll eat the ice cream—not just today, but every day. Then you’ll be fat.
…AND… this is where personal self-control relates to the behavior of US Soccer and the American Soccer Youth Developmental System. Just like our subconscious brain, US Soccer and the leadership of the Youth Development System in the United States is teeming with autonomous parties all shouting “I want! I want!” (Well, not out loud). The easiest thing to do would be to give in to all those immediate urges: a shiny new football-specific stadium for New York City, a new foreign-born coach for one of our National Programs, a Developmental Academy for identifying the best available players to represent our country, and so on. However, like our brains, US Soccer has long-term goals, as well. Like winning a World Cup somewhere down the road.
Of course, as with individuals, the short term (stadium, coach, academy, etc…) is much more immediately rewarding than the long-term (World-Cup) goal. So, there’s no reason for our football leaders to deny themselves today if they know that the next cycle of football in the United States is likely going to throw their prudence out the window and turn on the self-delusional faucet to full blast anyway. Just as within the individual brain, it becomes impossible for US Soccer to exert willpower if it doesn’t trust its future self.
What are the best treatments for common arthritis?
Let’s refer back to our arthritis comparison again for a moment, shall we? We all know that Arthritis is a common medical condition. By the time we reach the age of 65 at least five of us will have been to the doctor for some form of arthritis. That number increases up to 6 or 7 of us if we are obese. Regardless of where we fall in this numerical range, the primary treatments for arthritis focus on reducing inflammation in the affected joint.
We know this and this isn’t breaking news to any of us. Never-the-less, this arthritic problem has been inherent within the joints of American football from the day the game was first established. The difference is that in the past players and coaches seem to have had some degree of trust in their colleagues. Lately, not so much.
US Soccer’s ability to commit to long-term solvency has become so lacking that earlier this year even the US Men’s Full National Team came very close to defaulting after a road loss in CONCACAF World Cup Qualification. Like an addict, when the institution has no faith in itself, the exercise of willpower becomes impossible.
Doctors often prescribe strong anti-inflammatory medications and perform procedures, like corticosteroid injections into affected joints, in order to treat more advanced forms of arthritis. However, arthritis combined with an addiction can be an ‘almost’ incurable combination. NOTICE I said “almost incurable.”
Cold therapy
What, then, to do? Well, US Soccer can do just what many people facing a willpower crisis do: make a pre-commitment. This psychological strategy is also called “binding,” after the episode in the Iliad in which Ulysses asks his crew to tie himself to the mast of their ship so that he doesn’t succumb to the otherwise irresistible, fatal lure of the Sirens’ song. He knows he won’t be able to trust his future self, so before temptation presents itself he makes sure that he won’t be able to give in.
More than 2000 years later, pre-commitment is still an incredibly effective way to avoid all sorts of temptation. For instance, if you know you’re likely to hit the “snooze” button when your alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m., you can set up your alarm clock on the far side of the room. If you worry your strategic habits will prevent you from best developing future players, you can hire the proper support staff to counter just that.
Counterirritants
The youth club circuit in the United States has enacted a somewhat convoluted version of binding as a way to extricate itself from the seemingly intractable falling-ceiling of Player Development failures over recent years. US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer have been competing in what is a sometimes quite rabid and vengeful manner for the few elite youth players in certain areas of the United States. Unable to meet halfway, the two sides have seemed to manage an “unagreed-upon” agreement to kick the can down the road. They’ve each established their own “super leagues” with “academies” for both genders which under normal pretenses one would think of as a good-thing for Player Development in the United States; however, neither side is really in full alignment with US Soccer, nor is either side fully against US Soccer and yet US Soccer doesn’t seem to be willing to bend their painfully arthritic joints to get up out of their rocking-chair to intervene and gather everyone on the same-page. So, if these super leagues and academies fail, then the unwritten plan has to stipulate that US Soccer will take the burden upon their shoulders and try to fix the problem of which if the past is any indication, could become horribly painful and presumably cause American football supporters to feel even more miserable and chastened.
Topical Salicylates
Will US Soccer’s clever plan work? Well, the thing about binding strategies is that they only really work if the pre-commitment is really, actually, binding. If Ulysses can just reach around behind him and untie the ropes holding him to the mast, the plan is going to fail.
This is where addicts often run afoul. The urge to consume can be so overwhelming that the desperate user manages to slip out of even the most powerful bonds. No money to buy drugs with? That’s normally a deal-breaker, but not if you’re willing to turn a trick, rob a liquor store or sell your parent’s furniture.
In the case of US Soccer, it turns out that the binding in their Developmental Academy plan isn’t as solid as it first seemed. In fact, according to recent comments heard being mumbled out of the US camp and even from abroad, Jürgen Klinsmann has already had his name tied to European-Based clubs such as Everton and Fulham, just to name a few, if US Soccer can’t get their act together and begin to agree with themselves. If this is the case, then the close of play in Brazil next summer may be all the great German can handle and there won’t be a thing that US Soccer can do to repeal the plan.
Oral medications
“If there’s a failure on the part of the current conflicting and confusing, twisted and convoluted player development system, we coaches must be amongst the first on the floor to nullify that provision,” a Director of Coaching at a high-profile youth club recently said. “US Soccer is not bound by this — it’s something we passed; we created this mess ourselves. If it collapses, then it does so at our feet; we can reverse it.”
He’s got a good point. Barring the passage of a Federation Mandate, US Soccer can do whatever it wants or whatever it doesn’t want. It’s the supreme law of the land when it comes to the game of football in the United States. In reality, no one can stop it from doing anything it wants. Thus, binding is all but impossible.
Unfortunately, as each failure at the Youth International Level continues to repeat itself one has to wonder whether the decision-makers within US Soccer are already well aware of this fact. You see, whether you’re an addict or a football federation, once you know how easy it will be to get around your pre-commitment, the game is over.
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.
- Liverpool13 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”