Argentina vs Brazil prediction, preview, team news and more | Copa America 2021 final
Argentina are set to play Brazil at the Maracana Stadium on Saturday in the final of Copa America 2021.
Argentina come into this game on the back of a 1-1 (3-2p) win over Reinaldo Rueda's Colombia on Tuesday in the semi-final. A first-half goal from Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez was cancelled out by a second-half goal from Porto winger Luis Diaz for Colombia. Argentina triumphed in the penalty shootout, courtesy of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's heroics.
Brazil, on the other hand, beat Ricardo Gareca's Peru 1-0 in the semi-finals. A first-half goal from Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta was enough to seal the deal for Tite's Brazil.
Argentina vs Brazil Head-to-Head
In 111 head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Brazil hold the advantage. They have won 46 games, lost 40 and drawn 25.
The two countries last faced each other in 2019, with Argentina beating Brazil 1-0. A first-half goal from Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi secured the win for Argentina.
Argentina form guide in Copa America 2021: W-W-W-W-W
Brazil form guide in Copa America 2021: W-W-D-W-W
Also Read: Euro 2020: 5 players who deserve more playing time
Argentina vs Brazil Team News
Argentina
Argentina could be without Atalanta centre-back Cristian Romero, who is nursing an injury. Other than that there are no known issues, and manager Lionel Scaloni can call upon the likes of Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, Paris Saint-Germain's Leandro Paredes and of course, Lionel Messi.
Injured: None
Doubtful: Cristian Romero
Suspended: None
Brazil
Meanwhile, Brazil manager Tite could be unable to call upon the services of Juventus left-back Alex Sandro, while Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus is suspended. Atletico Madrid centre-back Felipe was replaced in June by Red Bull Bragantino centre-back Leo Ortiz due to injury issues.
Injured: None
Doubtful: Alex Sandro
Suspended: Gabriel Jesus
Argentina vs Brazil Predicted XI
Argentina Predicted XI (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Acuna, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Papu Gomez
Brazil Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson Moraes, Danilo, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Renan Lodi, Casemiro, Fred, Roberto Firmino, Lucas Paqueta, Neymar, Richarlison
Argentina vs Brazil Prediction
Argentina are desperate to win an international trophy, as the pressure on Lionel Messi intensifies ahead of another final. The superstar forward has been the best player at the tournament, and has been supported ably by the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Emiliano Martinez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Brazil, on the other hand, have arguably been the best team in the tournament. Neymar is one of the best players in the world and enjoys an excellent relationship with Messi, and he will be Brazil's main source of inspiration in attack. In fact, the final has been billed as a clash between Lionel Messi and Neymar, two of the best footballers right now.
Argentina have done well to reach this stage, and it would be heartbreaking to see Messi lose a final with his country again. Having said that, Brazil might just edge past La Albiceleste.
Prediction: Argentina 1-2 Brazil
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Manchester United pushing for 2 more transfers, Barcelona's plans for Lionel Messi and more