Argentina vs. Colombia
2.01 - 3.28 - 4.20
Much like the Brazil match vs. Venezuela, the question must be asked…is change a good thing?
Colombia will be without Edwin Valencia and Carlos Sanchez, arguably the two best players for the squad so far this Copa America. Valencia is the key link between defence and offence, while Sanchez “La Roca” truly is the rock on the defensive line.
Colombia let the entire country down in the opening match vs. Venezuela, then came back and completely shut down Brazil for their first victory vs the rivals in two decades. However, the same conservative, defence minded squad came out and generated nothing against Peru, which left this team in limbo.
Nobody would have thought a team with Falcao, James, Cuadrado, Jackson, Bacca and Teo would have just one goal in three matches…from defender Jeison Murillo. But, here we are.
With Valencia and Sanchez out, Colombia will surely have to change formations, perhaps to a conventional 4-4-2 with Cardona coming in to play with ex Nacional teammate Mejia. With these two guys on the pitch, this team is significantly different, and their offensive threat, could finally show its teeth.
It is hard to say anything bad about Argentina aside from the fact that they just do not blow teams out. In their past nine competitive international matches, they have eight victories, all by one goal or less, including their finale vs Jamaica. There is no doubting their ability to possess the ball and generate chances but with their 87% passing accuracy, 50 shot attempts and 20 on target came just 4 goals.
Colombia has a hole in their defence now, but as I said, could quite possibly be able to keep up with Argentina, who as we all know has a defence which can be very suspect at times. With their inability to put away matches, Colombia could very well hang around and take this the distance, something the price certainly reflects. I know everyone here was expecting this price to be in the 1.70 range. There should be a ton of money coming in on Argentina after Colombia let down so many people, which puts Los Cafeteros in a similar spot as they were vs. Brazil.
I will definitely be cheering on my home side, but my money is staying out of this. We could be in for the most exciting match of the tournament here.