As is the case with Euro 2020, Copa America is now underway and the big games are coming thick and fast. From Brazil putting three past Venezuela to a Leo Messi free-kick not being for Argentina to gain three points against their old foes Chile. Argentina are again in action tomorrow night and it is another major clash, Messi versus Luis Suarez, Argentina versus Uruguay. Here is a preview for that game which carries huge significance…
Whilst Argentina have got their Copa America campaign off and running, this will be a first taste of the tournament for Uruguay in this summer of mayhem. Argentina played Chile on Monday at the Estadio Nilton Santos, a trademark free-kick for Messi giving Lionel Scaloni’s side the lead after half an hour. It was a very feisty game, as was the final when the sides went head-to-head back in 2016, the referee again brandishing several yellows this time around. Another stalwart of South American football Eduardo Vargas provided a response for Chile and one-a-piece was how it finished between the two.
The team selection for Scaloni’s Argentina was particulary interesting the other night, Messi being joined in the attacking third by Serie A title winner Lautaro Martinez and Stuttgart’s Nicolas Gonzalez who is reportedly a target of Brighton’s. This trio meant that Angel di Maria started on the bench, as did the two Correas, Joaquin of Lazio and Angel of Atleti as well as Barcelona’s new signing Sergio Aguero. To be able to start players of this quality on the sidelines is a testament to their depth so to drop points against Chile is disappointing.
Team selection for both Argentina and Uruguay could throw up a few surprises for this game, Chile having dominated Messi and co which could possibly lead to a change. Di Maria coming in wouldn’t surprise me at the expense of Spurs’ Lo Celso, meanwhile Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani starting up front for Oscar Tabarez seems more than likely. Behind them you’ve got the likes of Juve’s Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde of Real Madrid and Arsenal outcast Lucas Torreira that are all very capable, the most likely candidates being unbeknownst to most really.
Alongside Messi and his superb goal, Ajax fullback Nicolas Tagliafico was another promising performer, his attacking impetus down the flank helped create chances but none of them were optimised. Prior to the draw with Chile, Argentina were also held to a stalemate by Colombia in World Cup qualifying so Scaloni will certainly be desperate for his side to turn their fortunes around against Uruguay. In the other group awaits a Brazilian side that currently sit atop of the bookie’s odds charts, this particular game being a battle for the chance to top their respective group and avoid facing Brazil as early as the other.
Argentina definitely have a point to prove going into this game and Messi certainly isn’t getting any younger. Scaloni is under a lot of pressure so he will need to get a positive result out of Uruguay if he is to prove to the fans and the powers that be that he can cut his teeth at such a high level. Both manager’s lineups will go straight under the microscope in what promises to be a hugely enticing game, one which I think will be won by Uruguay! Stay with us here at WD throughout the tournament!
