Argentina will take on Uruguay in the Copa America Group B Match on June 19 at the Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia.
Argentina failed to make the most of their chances in their Copa America opening fixture against Chile at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro. A spectacular Lionel Messi – seemingly determined to bring Argentina that coveted trophy this time – free-kick gave them the lead in the first half of the match.
Argentina also created a ton of chances, many of them coming from the feet of Messi, but their forwards failed to make it count. Nicolas Gonzalez on the left flank was guilty of missing several golden opportunities.
All of it came back to haunt Argentina when a rash Tagliafico challenge saw them conceding a penalty. Even though goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved the spot-kick, the eventual deflection was scored by Eduardo Vargas.
La Albiceleste continued to chase the game, but saw little reward for their efforts. The match ended at 1-1 and the less-than-ideal result means Argentina are now second in Group B, level on points with Chile.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will be playing their first match of the Copa America. All the other four sides in the group have played a game each while Oscar Tabarez’s side are yet to begin their Copa America campaign.
ARGENTINA’S FORM IN COPA AMERICA
Argentina began their Copa America opener against Chile on the front foot. They starved their opposition of chances and looked really solid on the ball. The midfield of Leandro Paredes, Giovanni Lo Celso, and Rodrigo De Paul worked in cohesion which allowed Messi to see a lot of the ball in the middle of the park.
In the remainder of their Copa matches, Argentina will be looking for efficiency in front of goal. Nicolas Gonzalez and Lautaro Martinez were guilty of missing several golden opportunities, resulting in the 1-1 result that can only be termed as a slip-up.
Argentina had been in decent form building up to the Copa America this year. Following their third-place finish in the Copa America in Brazil in 2019, Argentina made their mark in the World Cup qualifiers. With three wins and three draws, they are second in the South American group behind leaders Brazil who have won all six matches.
In their two matches before the Copa America this year, Argentina drew 1-1 with Chile and shared a 2-2 stalemate with Colombia. Lionel Scaloni’s side will be desperate for a win against Uruguay.
Form guide (last five matches): D-D-D-W-D
ARGENTINA’S PROBABLE TACTICS AND LINEUP AGAINST URUGUAY
Argentina played a 4-3-3 against Chile and Scaloni is likely to stick to the same approach against Uruguay.
Cristian Romero, who was injured ahead of the Copa America opener was replaced by Nicolas Otamendi in defence. If Romero is fit to start, he’s likely to get the nod ahead of Otamendi who has been rash and sloppy in defence. Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez should also start over Martinez Quarta in central defence.
The midfield hardly needs a change as the trio of Paredes, De Paul, and Lo Celso function in unison and complement each other well. Lo Celso made forward runs and released defence splitting balls for the forwards while Paredes broke lines and won interceptions. Rodrigo De Paul is also an important asset for recycling possession and providing the work ethic in the side.
Out front, Messi was brilliant as usual, scoring from a freekick and creating a host of chances. Lautaro Martinez, who hit 17 goals with Inter Milan in the Serie A this season, needs to be sharper in front of goal while Angel Di Maria is expected to find a start ahead of Gonzalez.
Argentina Probable Playing XI (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria
URUGUAY’S FORM IN COPA AMERICA
Uruguay are yet to play their first match in the Copa America this season. They lost to Paraguay on penalties in Copa America 2019 and have been less than impressive in the World Cup qualifiers.
Uruguay are fourth in the table behind Ecuador and in their six matches, they have won twice, lost twice, and drawn two games.
In the two World Cup qualifying matches played this year ahead of the Copa America, Uruguay shared goalless stalemates with Paraguay and Venezuela.
Form guide (last five matches): D-D-L-W-L
URUGUAY’S PROBABLE TACTICS AND LINEUP AGAINST ARGENTINA
Uruguay head coach Oscar Tabarez prefers the 4-4-2 system and Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez are expected to lead the line. Both of them had been in superb form for their clubs this season and would like to guide Uruguay to their first Copa America title since 2011.
In midfield, Tabarez can count on Fede Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Torreira and Nahitan Nandez. There’s enough work ethic, creativity, vision, and defensive solidity in that midfield.
Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez will lead the backline as they have often done in the last few years while Fernando Muslera is expected to start in goal.
Uruguay Probable Playing XI (4-2-3-1): Fernando Muslera, Giovanni Gonzalez, Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez, Martin Caceres, Lucas Torreira, Nahitan Nandez, Fede Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani
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