For the second time in two years, South American giants Argentina and Chile will collide in the Copa America final. The Albiceleste already defeated the Chileans in what has been a perfect tournament for them thus far, but La Roja have been on fire in front of goal during the knockout rounds, and will have a key part of their team back for the final. Get a full breakdown of this 2016 Copa America final rematch below.
And for more of Sunday’s incredible soccer action, check out our Euro 2016 round of 16 previews of France vs. Ireland and Germany vs. Slovakia.
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Argentina vs. Chile Preview
Where: MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey
When: Sunday, June 26, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Argentina -135 vs. Chile +310, tie +240; total: 2.5 – view all Copa America Centenario lines
TV Broadcast: Fox Sports 1
Betting on Argentina (-135)
Argentina’s run toward the 2016 Copa America final – its fourth final in five editions of the Copa – has been nothing short of dominant. The Albiceleste have won all five of their games, with the last four coming by three or more goals. They are coming off a comprehensive 4-0 win over hosts USA in the semifinals.
Messi’s back and in fine form this time around, though. The five-time world player of the year tore through the USMNT, assisting on Ezequiel Lavezzi’s opening goal before launching a sublime free kick to make him Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Lavezzi will miss the final after he broke his arm in a fall against the U.S., while Angel Di Maria is still a doubt to participate due to his groin injury. But manager Tata Martino will have Nico Gaitan back after serving a one-match suspension, and the likes of Erik Lamela and Sergio Aguero are also ready to step into the starting XI.
The Argentinians will have revenge on their minds after last year’s disappointment, and with Messi in the form he’s in at the moment, they finally look ready to claim that elusive Copa title.
Betting on Chile (+310)
Chile needed just over 10 minutes to take care of Colombia in their semifinal matchup. La Roja struck twice in quick succession, and held on after an extended delay due to inclement weather to record a 2-0 win.
Despite the absence of Arturo Vidal, the Chile attack remained very lethal, capitalizing on the Colombian defense’s mistakes. His replacements in midfield (Pablo Hernandez, and Erick Pulgar after Hernandez went off injured) also did a fine job of working hard in midfield.
With Vidal back in the fold for the final, the vaunted Chile press should be that much more effective against an Argentina side that still has one or two question marks in defense.
This current version of Chile is much more dangerous than the one which lost to Argentina in their opening group game. The Chileans have gained more and more confidence as the tournament has worn on. Strikers Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas have scored a combined nine goals since that loss to Argentina, with five coming in their 7-0 demolition of Mexico in the quarterfinals.
The fiery Chile should have none of the fear factor other teams have played with against Argentina. Unlike the Americans, La Roja won’t be afraid to take the game to the Argentinians, and with Alexis and Vargas, they have the quality to take their chances if/when Argentina makes mistakes.
Writer’s Prediction
Argentina is just a team on a mission, and it ends with the Copa America crown. Argentina (-135) wins, 2-1.
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