Colombia will have a challenging task when facing Argentina in the Copa America 2024 Final, as they must get certain things right.
Argentina is vying for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title, but they have to go past a terrific side that has found its stride for quite some time now. Colombia have knitted together an incredible 28-game unbeaten run, which is a national record for them.
Los Cafeteros are here courtesy of a dodgy win over other tournament favourites, Uruguay, with ten men for an entire half. Jefferson Lerma’s goal in the 39th minute proved enough for Colombia to pass through to the Copa America 2024 final. But their resilience to keep hold of the slender lead was the main highlight of their performance.
In the second half, Uruguay were all over Colombia, who kept surviving waves of attacks from Marcelo Bielsa’s side. They did survive a late scare, as it was a classic game from a team defending with ten men. That performance showed plenty of things. But the main takeaway was their ability to keep the backline tight.
It was also a record-breaking game for Colombia skipper James Rodriguez, who became the first-ever player to record six assists in a single Copa America tournament, beating Lionel Messi’s record of five from the 2021 edition. Overall, there are plenty of positives for Colombia to take into the Final showdown with Argentina, as they must get these three things right to stand a chance of beating the reigning champions.
Keeping defensive discipline
Colombia showcased absolute indiscipline and discipline in 45 minutes against Uruguay. Daniel Munoz put his team under tremendous pressure with two silly offences worthy of yellow cards, reducing his side to ten men. But Colombia held their own and went on to collect a win in the semi-finals and reach the Copa America final.
They should continue where they left off against Uruguay defensively and take that stride into the Argentina game. Only this time will Nestor Lorenzo’s men have a man extra. But it is imperative for Yerry Mina and Davinson Sanchez to keep their focus against one of the formidable attacking setups in world football.
Whether they can do that over 90 minutes remains to be seen, although it is clear this is a side full of motivation and has plenty of experience to follow through in their backline. The absence of Munoz may become a big factor for them, although they are equipped to do it without him.
Keep Lionel Messi quiet and win Copa America, Colombia
While we spoke about how Argentina needs to take over the midfield to overcome Colombia in the Copa America final, Nestor Lorenzo might have to adopt a different tactic and look to keep Lionel Messi quiet for as long as possible.
While it may seem impossible over the course of the game, the Argentine magician only needs momentum to turn the game on its head. In a knockout game back in 2021, Colombian players received six yellow cards, all for fouls on Messi. The Argentine talisman played through the game with a bleeding ankle, which shows how much motivation he has.
Hence, keeping Messi quiet would work in Colombia’s favour, as it certainly nullifies a big part of Argentina’s creative output. Whether they have the resilience to do so remains to be seen. But this is a Colombia side full of motivation to win this tournament.
Protect James Rodriguez
It is quite baffling how a player who has fallen away with his club career continues to perform at the top level for his country. James Rodriguez has been the star of this edition of the Copa America and set a record with a sixth assist in one tournament.
He has been the heart and soul of this Colombian side, as Rodriguez has rolled back the years with some vintage performances. For Colombia, he must get on the ball and dictate play as much as possible, for he is their best outlet for creating chances.
Hence, his teammates must protect Rodriguez at all costs, as Argentine players will be wary of his influence on the pitch in the Final. Therefore, while Colombia will try to manage Messi’s outlet, Argentina will try to tackle Rodriguez and look for ways to nullify his presence, which could prove imperative for Lorenzo’s side in their quest to beat the reigning champions.
