The Copa America 2016 final will be played between two heavyweight of South America – Argentina and Chile – at MetLife Stadium on Sunday in a mammoth encounter. Argentina will have revenge on their minds, as they lost to Chile in the finals last year.
Where to watch Copa America 2016 final live
However, after that loss, Argentina have looked a solid unit whenever they faced Chile. The Los Gauchos have defeated Chile in the last two encounters, including their group stage clash as well.
Argentina have looked a splendid side in Copa America 2016. They have not lost a single match in the competition, playing some exhilarating football, entertaining the crowd with their magical display. After finishing in top of the group, Argentina have scored eight goals in the knockout stages, so they are on top of their game.
Chile, on the other hand, also looked good in the group stages, and put up an emphatic performance against Mexico in the quarterfinals, proving their mettle when it mattered most. They scored seven goals past Mexico, sending warning sigs to other teams. Chile defeated Colombia 2-0 in the semis to set up a date with Argentina in the title-decider.
Argentina, with in-form stars like Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain, will be a huge threat going forward. These players link well with one another, and have a great sense of understanding, which has been reflected in their matches so far. The Los Gauchos are not only reliant on Messi for goals, which makes them a formidable side, with players like Higuain and other stars in their squad.
Manager Gerardo Martino has made some wise changes for Argentina in Copa America 2016 as their squad comprise some outstanding talent. For this Copa America 2016 final, Argentina boss has to get his combinations right, and find a formidable starting XI.
However, Argentina might not be able to field their best XI against Chile in the final, with Angel Di Maria picking up an injury in their game against Panama, which led to his absence in the semifinals as well. But the player is reportedly passed fit for the final. Ezequiel Lavezzi has been ruled out after suffering a broken elbow in their last match.
Martino will be pleased with Nicolas Gaitan, who will be available for the Copa America 2016 final selection as he has served his one-match suspension.
For Chile, Marcelo Diaz, who missed their semifinals match against Colombia, after getting injured, is set to play for the national side, strengthening their team as well. If Chile are to win their back-to-back Copa America title, they will need their stars including Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas to shine.
Copa America 2016 final line-up
Expected starting XI: Argentina: Rojo, Funes Mori, Otamendi, Mercado: Mascherano, Banega, Biglia: Di Maria, Messi, Higuain
Chile: Bravo: Beausejour, Jara, Medel, Isla: Diaz, Aranguiz, Vidal: Fuenzalida, Sanchez, Vargas