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World Cup 2014: All-time England Eleven And Eleven Stars To Watch In Brazil

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The World Cup is just around the corner and the excitement is well and truly building. The sheer footballing brilliance we are going to see over the next month is mouth-watering with several players featured in my ‘Eleven players to watch’ set to light up the tournament.

Despite English hopes of glory in Brazil being far lower than usual this hasn’t stopped Twitter being abuzz with the hashtag #AllTimeEnglandEleven where fans and pundits alike have chosen their greatest eleven players to represent the Three Lions. I myself have got involved and here is my selection of the All-time Eleven

As you can see I have taken inspiration from the great Dutch teams of years gone by and picked a rather technically gifted team to play within a 4-3-3 system. Whilst England have often struggled to play in such a manner over the years the country has produced a whole host of technically superb players who could have played in any of the great International sides.

Football writers and tactical experts Jonathan Wilson, Philippe Auclair, Michael Cox and Ian Macintosh agree with me that 4-3-3 is the formation to use, as we see in their collaborative All-time England Eleven

Gordon Banks is a no brainer. The finest English goalkeeper, best remembered for his outstanding save from a Pele header in the 1970 World Cup, clocked up 73 caps and was a stalwart of the World Cup winning side of 1966.

The defence is made up of four supremely talented athletes. Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole are both members of England’s ‘golden generation’ which never quite lived up to expectations on the international stage however both put in fantastic individual displays in an England shirt. Bobby Moore was the captain of the 1966 side and has been the icon of English football ever since and rightly takes up his place in the All-time England Eleven.

Des Walker at right-back will, I know, be a surprise. Unfortunately better known for his disappointing performances in England’s failure to qualify for USA 94, people forget how good a footballer Des Walker actually was. A physical phenomenon and the chant ‘You’ll never beat Des Walker’ rang true for a number of years.

The midfield contains three footballers who depending on who you speak to are each regarded as England’s greatest ever midfielder. Paul Scholes, a player revered throughout the World, often found himself played woefully out of position for the national side but takes his place as the conductor of the orchestra in this England Eleven.

Paul Gascoigne is the maverick. The individual who can make something happen when on the ball, nobody can predict quite what the aforementioned piece of brilliance will be but it will undoubtedly be something talked about for years to come, just like his goal against Scotland in Euro 96. Bobby Charlton is the reliable, goalscoring midfielder who provides the hard work which often goes unnoticed. The heartbeat of the side if you will.

Jonathan Wilson, Philippe Auclair, Michael Cox and Ian Macintosh do however seem to disagree with my midfield selection with the writers going for a much more hardworking midfielder in Bryan Robson rather than Paul Scholes. It is interesting that Scholes could be left out but Robson is a far greater embodiment of what has made people so proud of the England national team in the past.

Finally going forward we have Michael Owen, Gary Lineker and Stanley Matthews. Michael Owen and Gary Lineker were remarkably similar players. Not known for anything other than goalscoring the two individuals characterised the respective England teams they played in. Both burst onto the international scene with outstanding performances at World Cups and could always be counted on for a goal.

Stanley Matthews is another Englishman considered to be one of the all-time greats. A footballer who could put a spell on the ball and weave his magic in the final third. A wonderful technician who was a trailblazer for English footballers such as Gascoigne years later.

Eleven players to watch at the World Cup:

Goalkeeper: Jasper Cillessen, 25, Holland

Jasper Cillessen of Ajax could well be one of the surprise packages of this summer’s World Cup. In a team which has been able to select from Premier League stalwarts Michel Vorm and Tim Krul, Cillessen has made himself Louis van Gaal’s first choice through a string of excellent performances for the national team and Ajax over the past two seasons. Standing at over 6ft in height Cillessen is a physically domineering goalkeeper known for his fantastic reflexes. Expect the Ajax goalkeeper to not disappoint when called upon in Brazil.

Right-Back: Serge Aurier, 21, Ivory Coast

The stage is set for Serge Aurier to really make his mark. Heavily linked with Arsenal Football Club to replace the outgoing Bacary Sagna, Aurier is looking to impress potential suitors with a string of good performances at the World Cup. As part of a strong Ivory Coast team Aurier isn’t necessarily under too much pressure. He can go out and play his natural game of being solid defensively and explosive when going forward, utilising his sizable quickness. Having modelled his game on Roberto Carlos, as well as having been an attacker in his youth, don’t rule out Aurier lending a helping hand to the team’s goal tally.

Centre-Back: Eder Alvarez Balanta, 21, Colombia

Balanta currently plays in Argentina for giants River Plate and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed. At just twenty one years of age the Colombian centre-half shows a remarkable level of maturity as well as physical strength. Balanta is not known for his speed and this is an area where he could struggle however his reading of the game and ability on the ball is without question fantastic. He could be a calming presence in a Colombian side that has the players to exceed expectations this summer.

Centre-Back: Eliaquim Mangala, 23, France

Eliaquim Mangala is one of European football’s hottest properties. Linked with both Manchester United and Manchester City in recent times, the Porto centre-half is in line to partner Laurent Koscielny at the heart of France’s defence during the World Cup. Mangala is a powerhouse who can organise a defensive line which is perhaps what France have lacked in recent years. Despite struggling in the latter stages of Porto’s season, Mangala will be a difficult opponent for opposition attackers.

Left-Back: Ricardo Rodriguez, 21, Switzerland

Rodriguez is a very well rounded full-back which for his tender age of 21 is rather surprising. Having honed his craft in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, Rodriguez is set to take the international stage by storm. Adept in both defence and attack, Rodriguez can use his speed and ability on the ball to get out of difficult situations with ease. Physically he impresses, standing at just less than six foot his muscular frame increases his ability to shield the ball which in turn makes him a handful to dispossess.

Right-Midfield: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 20, England

Despite picking up an injury in England’s World Cup warm-up match against Ecuador, Oxlade-Chamberlain is still England’s most exciting player and there have been encouraging noises from the England camp that the Arsenal midfielder will be fit to take part in the tournament. The energy with which Oxlade-Chamberlain plays as well as his innate ability to adjust his feet at speed and retain possession makes him incredibly tough to defend against With England needing to play at a higher tempo to avoid heat affected matches slipping into a difficult stop-start tempo, Oxlade-Chamberlain will be vitally important to inject pace into the Roy Hodgson’s team.

Central-Midfield: Ogenyi Onazi, 21, Nigeria

Lazio’s Ogenyi Onazi has the potential to be the difference maker for Nigeria this summer. Nigeria have lacked power from midfield in recent tournaments with John Obi Mikel much more of a holding midfielder. Onazi provides this much needed power. As Serie A has born witness to in the past two seasons Onazi is very much like Yaya Toure, he can run with the ball from deep in midfield and drag defenders out of position, he then often takes the simple, correct passing option and creates chances for his team. Expect him to be at the heart of any potential Nigerian success in Brazil.

Central-Midfield: Jordy Clasie, 22, Holland

Jordy Clasie is likely to form a key part of Louis van Gaal’s midfield in Brazil with the new Manchester United coach having been forced to change formation due to Kevin Strootman’s injury. Within the new 5-3-2 formation, Jordy Clasie plays a pivotal creative role in the midfield trio. Supported by Nigel de Jong’s strength and ability to cover behind Clasie is given freedom in dictating the tempo of the team and controlling how the Dutch move possession. He is an incredibly gifted playmaker, nicknamed the ‘Dutch Xavi’ and will be keen to show his qualities on the biggest stage.

Left-Midfield: Antoine Griezmann, 23, France

Fate simply couldn’t have handed Real Sociedad left-winger Antoine Griezmann a better opportunity to shine at the World Cup than what he has been given this summer. Unfortunate as Franck Ribery’s injury and resultant absence from the World Cup is, it gives Antoine Griezmann, a player who can reach the very top of the world game, a chance to shine. Griezmann is quick on the ball and can make things happen. Having been courted by both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in recent times the twenty three old will be hoping to take his outstanding domestic form to the international stage and wreak havoc within opposing defences.

Centre-Forward: Ciro Immobile, 24, Italy

Ciro Immobile

Ciro Immobile

The last twelve months could hardly have gone any better for the career of Italian forward Ciro Immobile. The striker co-owned by Juventus and Torino was the top goalscorer in Serie A with twenty two strikes and it was this form which has earned him a move to German giants Borussia Dortmund as the replacement for Robert Lewandowski. On the international stage his goalscoring prowess hasn’t gone unnoticed either with Cesare Prandelli calling the forward up to his squad for the World Cup. At a time when Mario Balotelli is bereft of good form this summer could be the opportunity for Immobile to really shine and with the Italian’s instinctive eye for goal don’t rule out the possibility of Immobile being the Golden Boot winner.

Centre-Forward: Josip Drmic, 21, Switzerland

Another of Switzerland’s fantastically talented crop of young stars, Josip Drmic like Immobile will be looking to take his domestic form to Brazil. Drmic scored seventeen league goals for Nurnberg in the Bundesliga and earned himself a move to Bayer Leverkusen. Drmic has the ability to start centrally and poach goals in and around the penalty area or even on the right hand side and cut inside for a shot on goal. Whilst still not the finished article, his holding up of play could use a lot of work, it is his ability to find the net which in tournament football makes him such a dangerous prospect. Yet another outside candidate for the Golden Boot.

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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Home » Article » World Cup 2014: All-time England Eleven And Eleven Stars To Watch In Brazil

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