Argentina and Canada will decide tonight the first finalist of the Copa America

||AP Agency

***The two teams that played the opening match of the tournament will meet once more in New Jersey***

Argentina and Canada, who were the protagonists of the opening match almost three weeks ago, meet once more in the Copa America for a place in the final. Beyond what is at stake, the current situation of the teams shows changes prior to tonight’s match in New Jersey.

Argentina began their title defence with a 2-0 win in Atlanta, thanks to second-half goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.

Argentina is in the semifinals largely because of its goalkeeper. “El Dibu” added to his legend with the national team in the 4-2 victory on penalties over Ecuador in the quarterfinals by stopping the first two shots of the shootout. Martínez was 4-0 in shootouts in major tournaments (a pair in the Copa América and another two in the World Cup, including the final once morest France in Qatar 2022).

He saved an Argentina side that suffered greatly once morest Ecuador, drawing 1-1 in the 90 minutes of regulation time. Except for a brief period at the end of the first half, following Lisandro Martínez’s header, Lionel Scaloni’s team (especially its midfield) was tied up by the Ecuadorians and hardly created any danger.

More alarming was the almost non-existent contribution of Lionel Messi. Apart from having taken the corner that led to the goal by the central defender, the captain had very little influence following returning from a muscular injury and missed the first penalty of the shootout, following Kevin Rodríguez equalised in stoppage time.

Argentina survived and is present in the seventh semi-final of its last eight major tournaments, the 2018 World Cup being the exception.

Canada, on the other hand, has gone from strength to strength. It is astonishing to think that their coach Jesse Marsch only took over the reins in May, arriving at the cup following a couple of friendlies once morest Holland and France. But in a very short time he has managed to consolidate a team whose great virtue is the speed of its full-backs and forwards, with Alphonso Davies as the great exponent.

After finishing second in their group ahead of Peru and Chile, the Canadians upset the predictions by beating Venezuela (who had a perfect first phase) 4-3 on penalties.

Canada creates chances, but it is too forgiving. In its first Copa America, it has exceeded expectations, scoring just two goals in four games, even when playing with numerical superiority once morest Peru and Chile. It should have saved itself the penalty once morest Venezuela, as it wasted a torrent of opportunities on the counterattack.

In the build-up to the match once morest Ecuador, Argentina was concerned regarding Messi’s physical condition, particularly his right leg. The 37-year-old star completed the 90 minutes, but his lack of rhythm was evident. Argentina needs Messi to be more in tune when he steps onto the field at MetLife Stadium.

Scaloni’s starting eleven are expected to undergo changes following the poor performance in the quarter-finals. Having recovered from a physical problem, Marcos Acuña is likely to return to left-back. Leandro Paredes might return to the middle, replacing Enzo Fernández. Ángel Di María and Álvarez are expected to accompany Messi in attack following Nicolás González and Lautaro Martínez (scorer of four goals) did so once morest Ecuador.

Apart from the three Martínez players, the other standout player for Argentina has been Alexis Mac Allister. According to Opta, the Liverpool midfielder has provided two assists in the tournament, completing 122 of his 135 passes (70 in the opposition’s half) and will once once more be tasked with supplying the attackers with the ball.

SCALONI CONFIRMED THE PRESENCE OF MESSI (BOX)

Lionel Messi is yet to score a goal in the Copa America. He missed one match following suffering a muscle problem. He was largely ignored on the pitch and even missed the first penalty kick in the shootout when his Argentina side suffered an unspeakable setback to defeat Ecuador in the quarter-finals.

But one thing is certain ahead of the semi-final clash once morest Canada today in New Jersey: the number 10 will be in the starting eleven of coach Lionel Scaloni, who emphatically stated that Messi is confirmed.

“Lionel Messi’s form is good, he is fundamental for us. That is enough. Leo is fine, tomorrow (today) he will be part of the match,” said Scaloni in the preview of the match.