Argentina and Brazil will face off in the 2021 Copa America tournament final at dawn.
With Lucas Paqueta’s last-four goal against Peru, defending champions and hosts Brazil have qualified for a second consecutive South American showpiece, where they will face their main opponents in a highly anticipated match in Rio de Janeiro.
The Lyon playmaker also scored the game-winning goal against Chile in the quarter-finals, after Tite’s Selecao had led Group B with three victories and a draw in their first four matches.
Argentina, who held their nerve in a semi-final penalty shootout against Colombia, with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez stopping three spot-kicks, will be looking to prevent Brazil from winning their 10th continental crown.
With a goal and two assists from captain Lionel Messi, the 14-time champions breezed over Ecuador in the last eight and topped Group A ahead of Uruguay.
The football world will be hoping that a memorable Superclasico de las Americas match, which could be Messi’s final chance for Copa triumph with Argentina, can brighten up a lackluster and much-maligned tournament.
Date, Start Time, And Location
On Sunday, July 11, 2021, at 3 am. EAT, Argentina will face Brazil in the Copa America Final.
Because of the six-hour time difference, people in Kenya who want to watch will have to wait until 3 a.m. EAT on Sunday morning.
The match will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the legendary Maracana Stadium.
A total of 7,800 spectators will be able to attend, accounting for 10% of the stadium’s full capacity.
Argentina vs Brazil Copa America 2021 Final will be available for streaming on SonyLIV and JioTV.
Brazil
Although they are by far the best team in South America, they haven’t shown it in the knockout stage.
They’ve been squandering their resources. This is a club that should be scoring many goals every game but hasn’t been able to do so.
Another night off may spell disaster. They’ll repeat as champions if they can clean things up in attack and finish the opportunities they’ll undoubtedly earn.
But keep an eye on the set pieces, because if they become too aggressive, Messi might score from his third set piece of the tournament.
Expect them to play physical, slow the game down when Argentina has the ball, and be in a good position to win.
Argentina
Argentina will be anxious to avenge their controversial semi-final loss in 2019, but realistically, the Copa del Rey and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar are Messi’s final chances to win a major tournament with the light blue and white stripes.
The major concern isn’t whether Messi can lead Argentina to the trophy, but rather how well they can defend.
They’ve handed up some excellent opportunities to Ecuador and Colombia, and they’ve been fortunate at times.
This defence is significantly stronger with Cristian Romero, but the Atalanta man may not win his fitness race after missing the entire knockout stage so far.
That means German Pezzella and Nicolas Otamendi are likely to appear. They can accomplish the task, but they’ll have to give it their all, going back in time a little to prevent making even the tiniest error.
It’s a tough order, but this group is as confident as it’s ever been. Lisandro Martinez could play defensive midfielder and drop deep enough to practically function as a third centerback.
Brazil vs Argentina Prediction
It’s a tricky match to call since it could go either way, but we’re picking Brazil to win by a single goal in a tense match that, like the Euro 2020 Final between England and Italy on Sunday night at Wembley, is likely to be decided by the odd goal.
But how so many would love to see Messi finally achieve success with the Albiceleste – who have not won a major tournament since the 1993 Copa in Ecuador – at the 10th attempt.
Marquinhos scores a second-half goal from a corner kick to give Brazil the title.
Argentina 1-2 Brazil