Argentina vs Canada: Preview, H2H, Prediction, Team News, Lineups
The Copa America 2024 kicks off with a thrilling match as reigning champions Argentina face Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
This game marks the beginning of Argentina’s title defence and Canada’s debut in the prestigious tournament.
Let’s dive into the details of this exciting encounter.
When & Where is the Argentina vs Canada Match?
The Argentina vs Canada match in the Copa America 2024 will take place on June 20, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Here are the kickoff times for various countries:
- Argentina: 9:00 PM ART
- Canada (Eastern Time): 8:00 PM ET
- USA (Pacific Time): 5:00 PM PT
- UK: 1:00 AM BST (next day)
- Germany: 2:00 AM CEST (next day)
- India: 5:30 AM IST (next day)
- Australia (Sydney): 10:00 AM AEST (next day)
Argentina vs Canada Preview: Copa America 2024 Opening Match
Argentina will start their Copa America campaign with significant momentum, having recently won both the Copa America 2021 and the 2022 World Cup.
Under Lionel Scaloni, the team has shown remarkable form, winning 13 out of their last 14 matches. Key players such as Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernandez, and Rodrigo De Paul are expected to play pivotal roles.
Canada enters the tournament as a debutant, qualifying through a playoff victory over Trinidad and Tobago. Despite a challenging start under new coach Jesse Marsch, Canada demonstrated their potential by holding France to a draw in a recent friendly.
The team, featuring stars like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, aims to gain valuable experience and make a strong impression.
Argentina vs Canada H2H
The only previous meeting between Argentina and Canada was in May 2010, where Argentina secured a 5-0 victory in a friendly match. This historical encounter adds an intriguing context to their upcoming clash.
Team News
Argentina:
- Lionel Scaloni has finalized his 26-man squad, with notable omissions like Valentin Barco, Leonardo Balerdi, and Angel Correa.
- Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero are expected to form the central defensive pairing.
- The midfield will likely include Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes alongside Rodrigo De Paul.
- Fresh from scoring twice against Guatemala, Lionel Messi will lead the attack.
Canada:
- Alphonso Davies is the standout player, set to anchor the defence alongside Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, and Derek Cornelius.
- Stephen Eustaquio will captain the side from midfield, supported by Ismael Kone.
- Jonathan David and Cyle Larin will lead the attack to capitalize on their international experience.
Possible Lineups
Argentina:
- Goalkeeper: E. Martinez
- Defense: Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna
- Midfield: Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul
- Attack: Messi, Gonzalez, Alvarez
Canada:
- Goalkeeper: Crepeau
- Defence: Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies
- Midfield: Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Millar
- Attack: David, Larin
Prediction
While Canada boasts talented players like Davies and David, Argentina’s depth and quality are expected to secure a routine victory.
Our prediction: Argentina 2-0 Canada.
In conclusion, the opening match of Copa America 2024 promises excitement as Argentina aims to assert their dominance against a spirited Canadian side eager to make a mark on their debut.
Fans can look forward to a high-quality encounter that sets the tone for the tournament ahead.
