2015 Copa America final: Chile vs Argentina - Combined XI
Lionel Messi and Arturo Vidal will face off in a major final againIt started off with 16 different nations and now, three weeks later, it is down to only two. Chile and Argentina, the last teams standing, will battle it out at the Chilean capital of Santiago for the ultimate title in Latin America – the Copa America. Both sides have impressed on their way to the final but also had their fair share of upsets. Chile, the hosts, are in the final after 28 years and are aiming to end their embarrassing 99-year title drought whereas the Albicileste are desperate to end a 23-year wait for another piece of silverware.The final is touted to be a really enticing one with some of the biggest football stars on the planet. However, an integrated line-up of both sides would make for an intriguing prospect. But who makes the cut? Here is a combined XI of the two finalists – Chile and Argentina.
#1 Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero
On the grounds of the number of goals conceded so far, Argentine custodian Sergio Romero has proved to be the safer hands with only 3 goals conceded to Claudio Bravo’s 4. Although the Barcelona star has had his moments in goal, he narrowly misses out on the list to his counterpart from Argentina.
Romero may have graced the field for a very short time in the last two years as he’s been used only as a backup at his club AS Monaco. But he hasn’t lost his touch in goal. The 28-year-old continues to pull off spectacular saves when called upon and commands the box with great authority.
In the 2015 Copa America, Romero has kept three clean sheets, two of which have come against Uruguay and Colombia, and has surrendered goals only against Paraguay. His strong, physical presence in between the sticks has been tough to beat for the rivals and Romero needs to continue that dexterity in goal to keep Chile at bay.