Three weeks of an excellent exhibition of the beautiful game comes to a conclusion at the MetLIfe Stadium on Sunday night when for the second time in 12 months Argentina and Chile meet in the final of the Copa America.
Chile won the competition in front of their home fans a year ago and now all eyes will be on this talented Argentina team to see if they can finally land their first major competition for the first time in 23 years since they last won this competition.
To say Argentina have coasted into this final would be an understatement. They have breezed all opposition away and if they can repeat the same performances they have shown in the tournament to date then surely this will be their time but they have a habit of going into their shell in finals and that is something they need to avoid.
This attacking unit Argentina have might just be the best there has been but we still don’t quite know how solid they are defensively because their draw has been so comfortable that they haven’t really been tested in that area of the pitch.
When Chile started this tournament they looked very ordinary and it was quite possible that their title defence was going to be over in the group stage but they rescued their second match deep into injury time and haven’t looked back since.
All of a sudden Chile look like the side who won the tournament 12 months ago and if their own defence can hold out in this match they will fancy their chances of retaining the title. Based on earlier in the tournament that would be a big if but they managed it last year.
Team News
Argentina were without Nicolas Gaitan in the semi-final as he was suspended but he is available for this final and will most likely come back into the side in what is expected to be the only for Gerardo Martino’s team.
Chile missed their captain Arturo Vidal in the semi-final. He was also suspended and he will be back for this final and will come back into the side. His inclusion is likely to be the only change for Chile as they seek successive Copa victories.
Betting
I’m tempted by over 2.5 goals here the way these two sides have played going forward in the last week or so but this is a final and I automatically expect it to tighten up again. In many ways I’m sat around not wanting goals in this final with our top scorer punt one clear going into the match and so 0-0 and penalties would suit me fine!
I certainly can’t bring myself to back under 2.5 goals given how well both have played since the group stages and Argentina have flattered to deceive far too much for my liking in these big matches.
I don’t really have a strong feel either way about this but given these two sides know each other so well and with two of Argentina’s last three finals going all the way to penalties in this competition and the 2014 World Cup final going into extra time there is enough to make me believe this one may not be settled in 90 minutes.
I would happily take a comfortable Chile win in which Argentina don’t find the net but as far as this final goes backing both to win on penalties might bring us some joy.
Tips
Back Argentina to win on penalties for a 1/10 stake at 11.00 with William Hill
WON – Back Chile to win on penalties for a 1/10 stake at 11.00 with William Hill
Back them here:
