World number 3 Argentina will take on Paraguay in a Group A fixture of the Copa America 2015 at Estadio La Portada de La Serena on 13 June.
Argentina have not won the Copa America trophy in the last 23 years and with the squad they are likely to showcase in this 44th edition of the tournament, they stand as one of the firm favourites, apart from Brazil.
Argentina have previously won 14 Copa America titles, which is one less than Uruguay who have 15 to their name. In the recent international friendly, the Albiceleste thrashed Bolivia 5-0, with Manchester City star striker completing his hattrick and Angel Di Maria finding the back of the net twice.
Looking at the Argentine squad, one would believe they have all the star performers in their respective positions to outplay any team in the Copa America 2015. Barcelona's superstar forward Lionel Messi will lead the charge alongside Carlos Tevez (Juventus) and Angel Di Maria of Manchester United. Sergio Romero, who showcased some brilliant goalkeeping skills in the FIFA World Cup 2014, will guard the Argentine goal post yet again. City's Pablo Zabaleta and Martin Demichelis will form the backbone of the defense line alongside Marcus Rojo and Nicolas Otamendi. Experienced Javier Mascherano will hold the midfield together.
"It's not a matter of egos, but each of us needs to win something with the national team. We want to consolidate the work that has been done in the last few years and it would be very good to add a cup to that second-placed finish in Brazil.
"When you win something, which is not often at all, it's like taking a drug. It's addictive and you want to keep on winning. The national team are all set up to win the title. If you check through the names we have a great team. That allows you to start dreaming. As we put more players into the attack we will take more risks, but we will have more chances too," Mascherano told ESPN FC during an interview ahead of their encounter with Paraguay.
Meanwhile, Paraguay will face a tough challenge in their very first game of the Copa America 2015. Paraguay have won the tournament twice earlier and they were the runners up in Copa America 2011. If they want to prove a point in this competition, then they will have to go past the likes of Argentina and Uruguay.
Gerrardo Martino, who was in charge of the Paraguay side when he led them to the finals of the Copa America 2011 is managing the Argentine squad this time and would look to plot the downfall of Paraguay.
Roque Santa Cruz, 33, will look to lead the charge upfront alongside Nelson Haedo Valdez. Goalkeeper Justo Villar will guard the goals. Experienced defender Paulo da Silva will be holding the defense line along with other youngsters in the side.
Expected Lineups:
Argentina: Romero; Roncaglia, Garay, Otamendi, Rojo, Mascherano, Banega, Pastore, Di Maria, Aguero, Messi.
Paraguay: Villar; M Caceres, Da Silva, Balbuena, Samudio, Valdez, Ortiz, V Caceres, Benitez, Ortigoza, Santa Cruz.
Where to watch live:
The match between Argentina and Paraguay is scheduled for a 6:30 pm local time (3:00 am IST, 10:30 pm BST and 5:30 pm ET) start with live coverage in India on Sony Kix. Live streaming option is on Livsports.
Viewers in UK can switch to Premier Sports. The opening Copa America match can be live streamed on Premier Player.
People in the US can stream the match on beIn Sports Connect, Fubo TV and TYC Sports.com.
Viewers in Australia can live stream the match on beIn Sports Connect Australia.
Middle East viewers can watch the match live on beIn Sports Arabia 1 HD and beIn Sports Arabia 2 HD.
