Final – Brazil vs Argentina Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Brazil vs Argentina taking place? Brazil vs Argentina will take place on Sunday 11th July, 2021 at 01:00 (UK)
Where is Brazil vs Argentina taking place? Brazil vs Argentina will take place at Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho (Maracana), Rio de Janeiro
Where can I get tickets for Brazil vs Argentina? Visit the official Copa America website for the latest ticket information for Brazil vs Argentina
What television channel is Brazil vs Argentina on in the UK? Brazil vs Argentina will be televised live on BBC Red Button
Where can I stream Brazil vs Argentina in the UK? Brazil vs Argentina can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
THE LOWDOWN
BRAZIL
- Reigning champions Brazil progressed to their second successive Copa America final with a hard-earned if unspectacular 1-0 win over Peru and they now face off against great rivals Argentina for what will be the fourth Copa final meeting between the two nations.
- It was a moment of magic from talisman Neymar that proved decisive against Peru as he twisted and turned inside the penalty area before setting up Lucas Paquetta to convert the game’s only goal, and Brazil were largely deserving of their victory despite surviving a late scare that could have taken the game to penalties.
- Brazil have won the Copa America each time they have hosted the tournament and they go into the final as clear favourites having won 12 and drawn one of their last 13 matches dating back to November 2019, although their last defeat did come against Argentina in a friendly.
ARGENTINA
- Emiliano Martinez was the hero for Argentina in the semi-final as he saved three of Colombia’s penalties in the shootout after a match that ended 1-1 following normal time, and Argentina will now contest their fifth Copa America final in the last seven editions of the tournament.
- Their previous four finals have all ended in defeat, so despite the fact Lionel Scaloni’s side go into this contest as underdogs, there remains plenty of pressure on their squad, and especially Lionel Messi, to get over the line after the heartbreak they have suffered this century.
- As ever, they will be reliant on Messi’s creativity but their skipper has been at his mesmerising best in the tournament having been involved in nine of Argentina’s 11 goals, and he leads the competition’s charts for both goals and assists.
THE PREDICTION
It is the Copa America final that everyone hoped for between hosts and reigning champions Brazil, and Lionel Messi-led Argentina. After several failed attempts over the past few years, including a couple of heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeats to Chile, Messi has another chance – perhaps his last – to win a major honour in national colours.
The task ahead of them couldn’t be more difficult though – beating Brazil on their own turf. The Brazilians were favourites coming into the tournament and they have firmly lived up to that billing by going unbeaten throughout the group stage and not conceding a goal in the knockout rounds. Marquinhos and Thiago Silva have looked typically assured at the back while Neymar has been as dangerous as ever in the attacking areas. Keeping the PSG forward quiet will be key for Argentina if they are to have any success here.
There is a unity about this Argentina squad that has perhaps not been present in previous teams, but ultimately they are second best to the Brazilians in most areas of the pitch. Although Messi, and indeed many neutrals, are desperate for Argentine success, this could end up being another disappointing chapter for them with the hosts tipped to edge a tight final.
