If this weekend’s Euro 2020 show final was not enough for football lovers, South America has stepped up to offer us a delicious, titanic clash.
Late on Saturday night, the heavyweights in Argentina and Brazil face each other in one of the most anticipated battles that the sporting gods could throw up in the Copa America final 2021.
Brazil are the current holders of the famous trophy, and they hope to defend their title against Albiceleste, who have not tasted success since 1993 – losing four finals in the following three decades.
For Lionel Messi, this Copa America gives him the best opportunity of his career to win major silverware with his country, and with the years that continue to tip by, he may never be blessed with a better chance to write his name deeper into the nation’s history.
Whatever the outcome, it promises to be an absolute classic. So here’s all you need to know about the final.
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When is kick off? Sunday 11 July, 01:00 (BST)Where is the match played? Maracana, Rio de JaneiroWhich TV channel is it on? BBC One (UK), Fox Sports (USA)Who is the judge? Esteban OstojichWho is WHERE? Andrés Cunha
Neymar starts / Buda Mendes / Getty Images
Brazil’s coach Tite is not facing any new injury problems ahead of the grand final, although he will once again have to do without Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus. The striker was sent out in the quarterfinals and earned a two-game ban, which means that Lucas Paqueta would cooperate with Neymar in attack.
Elsewhere, it is unlikely that the coach will make many changes to a winning formula, which would see the back line remain the same and leave the Ederson gloves to the final, after trusting Alisson Becker.
Two key figures / MB Media / Getty Images
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni chooses from a whole group for Saturday night’s final, as he hopes to end the country’s trophy drought. Messi and Lautaro Martinez will both play in attack, after connecting effectively against Colombia, while Nico Gonzalez should complete the forward line.
Sniper hero Emi Martinez retains his place between the sticks, while the midfield and defense are likely to remain unchanged.
Argentina: E Martinez; Molina, Pezzella, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Messi, L Martinez, Gonzalez
Brazil: Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Silva, Lodi; Fred, Casemiro; Richarlison, Paqueta, Everton; Neymar
Old enemies that renew acquaintances / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Unbelievably, Brazil and Argentina have met no less than 111 times. Argentina has come out victorious on 46 occasions, Brazil has celebrated 40 victories and leaves the two teams to share 25 draws.
The two nations last met in 2019, when Messi’s strike gave Argentina a 1-0 victory in a Superclasico de las Americas match. But Brazil got a more important victory earlier that year and secured a place in the Copa America final in 2019 with a 2-0 success over Albiceleste in the semis.
A finely balanced rivalry.
We predict more of these scenes / Gustavo Pagano / Getty Images
Brazil and Argentina are full of talent, and they will both feel that they have a great chance to lift the trophy. Brazil also enjoys the advantage of playing the final at Maracana, which means that they have a significant home advantage.
But time is running out for Messi to win some big cutlery for his nation, and he can shock the home favorites with a fantastic individual screen – to crown Albiceleste as champion in South America.
Prediction: Brazil 1-2 Argentina
