Argentina vs Brazil
The dream 2021 Copa America final many were hoping for is here. The two superpowers of South American football – Argentina and Brazil – are set to square off in the Copa America final at the Maracana.
This is the storied rivals’ first finals meeting since 2007, with Brazil in a similar situation of being one win away from successfully defending their South American crown.
Old friends Lionel Messi and Neymar will headline this star-studded affair, with both superstars so close to capturing that coveted first major senior international title for their country.
Only one of them can win, though, while the other will fall short once again. The Copa America 2021 betting odds have the hosts Brazil as slight favourites, but La Albiceleste have Messi in their corner, so they could very well come out on top.
Talking Points
Messi vs Neymar superstar showdown
Without a doubt, all eyes will be on the two No. 10s – Lionel Messi and Neymar – as they square off in a major international final for the first time.
The former Barcelona teammates and good friends are both looking to win their first major international title for their country, and they have been instrumental in leading their respective teams to this stage.
Messi is the tournament’s leader in both goals (4) and assists (5), while Neymar has two goals and is right behind Messi with three assists.
Much of Argentina’s attacking responsibilities still fall on Messi’s shoulders. And even at age 34, he has still produced majority of La Albiceleste’s Copa America 2021 highlights, creating opportunities for his teammates while getting off several shots himself at the same time.
On the other side, Neymar seems to be getting a bit more support, particularly from midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who has popped up with the game-winning goal in their two knockout matches against Chile and Peru.
Neymar will be without one of his key running mates in Gabriel Jesus, who is suspended for the final due to his red card against Chile. Everton Ribeiro got the start against Peru, but Roberto Firmino is a potential option to take that place.
Regardless of who starts, though, the Brazil attack will still revolve primarily around Neymar, who is one of the few players aside from Messi who is capable of producing match-winning moments of magic at any time.
Battle of the backlines
While the spotlight will very much be shining on the two superstar strikers, Neymar and Messi, this final could potentially be decided by the battle of the backlines. They say defence wins championships, and much like England in Euro 2020, Brazil and Argentina have produced some terrific defending to get them far in this year’s tournament.
Brazil have the best defensive record with just two goals conceded in the six games they’ve played, including back-to-back clean sheets against Chile and Peru in the knockouts. The Selecao have surrendered just four goals in their last 13 matches, while keeping 10 clean sheets.
Ederson surprisingly started the two knockout matches in Brazil’s goal, but first-choice keeper Alisson could potentially take over in the final.
Argentina have been equally impressive, with just three goals conceded. Although, they were put under some considerable pressure in their semi-final against Colombia, whose star strikers did not score a single goal in the tournament. They also needed some heroics from keeper Emi Martinez in the penalty shootout to advance.
Brazil manager Tite has played with a 4-2-3-1 formation in each of the last two games, but it would not be surprising if he returns to his preferred 4-3-3 against Argentina – who play a similar formation – to provide more defensive stability in midfield.
History
The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina has been fierce and competitive through the years. Brazil hold a slight 46-40 edge in wins, with 25 draws.
Although, Brazil have had the upper hand in recent competitive fixtures. They met in the semi-finals of the 2019 Copa America, with Brazil winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino. They also won a World Cup qualifier 3-0 at home in 2016.
Meanwhile, Argentina and Brazil have met three times previously in Copa America finals. After Argentina won the first meeting in 1937, Brazil won back-to-back finals in 2004 (on penalties) and 2007.
Brazil have a fantastic record in recent Copa America finals, winning five out of the last five finals they have reached.
Argentina, on the other hand, have lost each of their last four trips to the Copa America final, following up their back-to-back defeats to Brazil with consecutive penalty losses to Chile in 2015 and 2016.
Betting Tip
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Argentina vs Brazil | 1X2 Draw @ 3.00 |
| July 11, 08:00 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have Brazil as slight 2.19 favourites to win the final over Argentina, who are priced at 3.45. Meanwhile, a draw is 2.99.
The knockout stages of this Copa America have been very tight. Only one match – Argentina’s 3-0 win over Ecuador – has been decided by more than one goal. Moreover, there have been three penalty shootouts. The final could very well be a fourth.
Three of Argentina’s last four trips to the final have resulted in penalties, and with the two teams quite evenly matched on both ends, it would not at all be surprising if this match ended tied after 90 minutes.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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