Argentina will aim to cement top spot in Group A against Chile on Tuesday night.
On Matchday two of the 2024 Copa America, two teams with a combined three of the last four titles face off in a standout Group A encounter. Argentina can secure their spot in the knockout stage when they meet Chile at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.
In their opening match, reigning champions Argentina overcame a resilient Canada side, securing a 2-0 victory. This win marks the first time since 2016 that Argentina have won their opening Copa America group fixture. Historically, when Argentina avoid defeat in their first match, they often advance to the final, as seen in previous tournaments.
The current world champions are on a six-match winning streak since a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier last November. This defeat remains their only loss since the 2022 World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia. Under Lionel Scaloni’s leadership, a victory on Tuesday would ensure Argentina’s progression to the knockout phase for the 14th consecutive time, excluding their withdrawal in 2001.
A win over Chile, coupled with a draw between Peru and Canada, would see La Selección top their group consecutively for the first time since 2015 and 2016. Argentina’s record against Chile in normal time at the Copa America is strong, although they were defeated by Chile on penalties in the 2015 and 2016 finals.
Chile, on the other hand, managed only a 0-0 draw with Peru in their opening match. Despite showing goalscoring prowess in pre-tournament friendlies, they have now failed to score in three consecutive Copa America fixtures dating back to 2021.
Coached by Ricardo Gareca, who joins the ranks of Oscar Tabarez, Luis Tirado, and Guillermo Stabile by participating in five consecutive Copa America tournaments, Chile aims to regain their form. Gareca’s team is currently on the brink of their longest unbeaten run since November 2022 – June 2023, should they avoid defeat on Tuesday.
However, since October 2023, when they scored twice against Peru, La Roja has struggled, failing to win any matches when tied or behind at half-time. Historically, Chile have managed to earn positive results in their last four encounters with Argentina, including a notable 1-1 draw in the 2021 group stage after coming from behind. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this clash.
Team News & Tactics
Chile
Chile face some challenges heading into this match. Diego Valdes is a question mark after being taken off at half-time in their previous encounter due to an apparent knock. Additionally, Victor Davila, Alexis Sanchez, and Erick Pulgar were all cautioned in their opener. They will be suspended for their final group game if they receive another yellow card on Tuesday.
Notably, at 41 years and 69 days, goalkeeper Claudio Bravo became the oldest player to feature in the Copa America this century and the first over 40 to start a match in this competition. Bravo celebrated this milestone with a clean sheet and will hope for another this Tuesday.
Chile are expected to retain a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the veteran Bravo in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Mauricio Isla, Igor Lichnovsky, Paulo Diaz, and Gabriel Suazo.
Rodrigo Echeverría and Erick Pulgar should form the double pivot, with Víctor Davila, Alexis Sanchez, and Ben Brereton Díaz providing the forward impetus. Eduardo Vargas is expected to lead the line upfront.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bravo; Isla, Lichnovsky, Diaz, Suazo; Echeverria, Pulgar; Davila, Sanchez, Diaz; Vargas
Argentina
The world champions have no injury concerns going into the game and have a healthy and deep pool of players to call upon. Scaloni is expected to set his side up in a 4-4-2 formation that is freely flexible going forward.
Emiliano Martinez should start in goal and should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna.
Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul should hold the fort in central midfield, paving the road for Angel Di Maria and Alexis Mac Allister to push forward. Lionel Messi should partner Julian Alvarez upfront but should drop deeper and play as a number 10 when needed.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Acuna; Mac Allister, Lo Celso, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez
Key Stats
- Chile and Argentina have won three of the last four Copa America titles.
- Argentina have made the final of the Copa America five times in the last seven editions of the competition.
- Argentina successfully defended their Copa America title most recently in 1947.
- Chile have beaten Argentina just eight times in 95 outings, losing 62 games in the process.
- A win on the night will see Chile end their six-game run against Argentina without a win.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi
The best player in the world continues to make history and prove that age is just a number. This will be Messi’s 36th appearance in the competition and will hope to lead Argentina to a third straight major international title in senior football.
Largely the glue that holds the Argentine attack together, Messi will dovetail and drop deeper when needed to act as the playmaker. Keeping him quiet will certainly aid Chile’s cause of catching the world champions cold.
Prediction
Chile 0-2 Argentina
Argentina hold the upper hand in this matchup. Their current form, highlighted by a six-match winning streak and a solid opening game performance, suggests they are well-prepared to secure another victory. Chile’s recent struggles to find the back of the net and their inconsistent form put them at a disadvantage.
However, football is unpredictable, and Chile’s historical resilience against Argentina, particularly in high-stakes matches, could make for an exciting and competitive game. Nonetheless, Argentina’s depth, experience, and recent successes make them the favourites to come out on top and advance to the knockout stages.
