Copa America final: Chile face Argentina in South America showdown
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The Copa America will come to a thrilling conclusion as host nation Chile collide with Argentina in a potentially epic showdown for the prestigious South American crown.
Both nations have been sublime on their path to a final outing, and are seeking an historic triumph, with Argentina hoping to become the joint most frequent winners of this coveted title, while Chile aim to lift their first ever crown.
The two sides vying for Copa glory this year have been in free-scoring form and it could be an enthralling encounter at the Estadio Nacional, with Argentina 6/1 with Coral to emerge victorious in a game with four or more goals scored.
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s La Albiceleste completely thrashed Paraguay 6-1 to reach this summer’s final, with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi playing a vital role in his deeper international position, having made three assists in that semi-final romp.
The Argentine genius is 11/4 to fire his nation to glory in 90 minutes, as he looks to guide his side to a historic triumph, potentially the country’s first Copa win since 1993, 12 months after a sickening World Cup final defeat to Germany.
“This generation is desperate to win a title with the national team,” stated Messi. “As a team, we deserve to win something and it would mean so much after the World Cup last year where we came so close.”
Messi lifted the treble with his Catalan club last term but has endured much frustration with Argentina since lifting the 2005 Under-20 World Cup as a teenager 10 years ago.
Sergio Aguero, who is 4/1 to strike first, was part of the 2007 Under-20 side that also clinched global dominance and the Manchester City star is desperate for a Copa victory.
“If this generation of players don’t win anything we’re going to regret it for the rest of our lives,” declared the Premier League hitman.
Standing in the way of Messi and company, though, is a typically clinical Chile outfit, with the likes of Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez playing a pivotal part of their sensational attempt at making history.
Arsenal’s deadly frontman Sanchez has carried his FA Cup winning form on to the international stage and is 8/1 to fire Chile to victory in normal time on home soil.
Juventus midfield maestro Vidal won both Serie A and Coppa Italia titles with his club last season but he will look to overcome the disappointment of a Champions League final defeat to Messi’s Barcelona by leading Chile to a maiden Copa success in their own backyard.
“This group of players has grown a lot, it’s the right time to win something,” stated Vidal. “There is pressure but we are very calm and anxious to show we are a strong team.”
