This evening, live from the Estadio Nacional, in Santiago Chile at 4pm ET there will be football. Today is the Copa America Final.
Chile, the host nation, with everything to prove to themselves and their country; face Lionel Messi and his heavily favored Argentina side. Here's what you need to know about each side.
Chile:
Photo: @CA2015 | Twitter
It’s not often when the host nation, one who makes it all the way to the final of a major international tournament, is the underdog. Today, Chile find themselves in that position and they should embrace the label.
Chile’s passage to the final has been aided by the stunning form of striker Eduardo Vargas. Vargas, a rumored Arsenal target, has set the tournament ablaze scoring four goals. Including this stunner – the goal of the tournament, thus far:
In goal their Captain Claudio Bravo has been solid, conceding only three goals, while midfield stalwart Arturo Vidal has been in fine form as well. He currently sits tied with three others, including Argentina’s Sergio Aguero, for the second most goals in the tournament. They both have scored three.
A worry for Chile is a weak defense. A defense without the controversy, although Gonzalo Jara was hilariously suspended. Jara received a suspension for what is now considered the butt of every 2015 Copa America joke, the Cavani incident.
Alexis Sanchez needs to find his form if Chile are to win. Coming into the tournament, Alexis was seen as Chile’s main goal threat. He had a sparkling debut season with Arsenal; however, the goals have dried up for Chile’s number seven. He only has one so far.
Argentina:
Photo: @FCBarcelona | Twitter
Meanwhile, on the other side of the pitch, Sanchez’s former Barcelona teammate and the man everybody will be watching, Lionel Messi, has only one goal as well. That said, his tournament has been nothing short of spectacular; Messi has found his true calling as a playmaker. La Pulga, sits tied with Chile’s Jorge Valdivia for the tournament lead with most assists. Both men have three.
Messi’s link up play with Argentina target man, the three-goal scorer, Sergio “El Kun” Aguero, has dazzled Chilean stadiums. Messi plays deeper and sets up his front players including Angel Di Maria and the ever-reliable Gonzalo Higuain. Both men, as a result, have scored twice. Argentina put six past a hapless Paraguay in their last match, the semi-final. Argentina must attack and attack Chile mercilessly, do what they do best if they are to win.
Javier Mascherano will push the ball up the midfield, in hopes of creating those treasured goals. He will also protect an at times shaky Argentinian defense.
In goal Sergio Romero has to stay solid. He has also conceded three goals. For Romero, this is his chance to silence his doubters (he has many) and prove he is a strong, worthy, and winning Argentina number one.
Speaking of chances; today will be Lionel Messi’s best chance to win a major tournament with Argentina. If he is on form, Argentina will win. I predict a 2-1 victory for La Albiceleste, with a Messi goal in extra time.
No matter the result, it will be fascinating football to watch.
Today, a whole nation will be watching and praying for a victory, as their team plays on the same soil they stand.
While the whole of Argentina will be watching one man, their football Messi-ah, Lionel.
Viva Copa America!
HOW TO WATCH: The Copa America 2015 Final will air at 4pm ET on the beIN Sports network. You can also watch it online here at: www.beinsportsconnect.tv
