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Liam Foster - June 8, 2024
As Copa America 2024 kicks off in the United States this month, reigning champions Argentina will be tasked with defending their title, but they must first negotiate their way past Group A opponents Chile, Canada, and Peru.
Group A appears straightforward, on the surface for Argentina and Lionel Messi against Chile, Canada, and Peru, but it will be suicidal to rule out the other three sides just yet. As the defending Champions and looking at their highly exceptional squad, Argentina is predicted to top their group with three wins and nine points.
Canada, Chile, and Peru all have the chance to join favourites, Argentina in qualifying from the Group – meaning the head-to-head clashes between the three teams will be keenly contested.
Argentina should have no problems finishing tops from this Group in their bid to retain the title. The likes of Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez will play a pivotal role in actualizing this target.
Since their 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening game of the group stage of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, their overall form in all competitions has been impressive as they have won 17 games in their last 18 matches, losing just once against Uruguay in a 2-0 loss in a World Cup qualifier.
They love to possess the ball and create goal scoring opportunities with ease. Tactically, the Argentines are well-organized, with a solid defense and a potent attack. They pride in their good balance of youth and experience, which will serve them well in the competition.
Prediction: Considering their recent form and strengths, Argentina is predicted to finish first in Group A, ahead of Chile, Canada, and Peru. They possess the quality to win all three group matches, setting themselves up for a deep run in the tournament.
Chile appears to be the second-strongest team in this group with the veteran Alexis Sanchez leading the line. Their chances in the Group appear challenging, but they have the potential to surprise.
They will draw inspiration from their toppling of Argentina twice in 2015 and 2016 to lift the Copa America title. Tactically, Chile is well-organized, but their defense has been vulnerable in recent matches.
Prediction: Considering their recent form and strengths, Chile is predicted to finish second in Group A, behind Argentina and ahead of Peru and Canada. They will struggle against Argentina but will capitalize on their experience and physicality to win against Peru and Canada.
Peru has a resilient and promising squad, strong enough to cause upsets looking at their recent success. They boast of players like Pedro Gallese, Wilder Cartagena, and Renato Tapia, capable enough to help them challenge the top teams in the Group.
Their style of play is physical and intense, with a strong defensive presence, evident in their last 3 matches. They are unbeaten in their last 3 games, winning 2 and drawing 1.
Their experienced squad and physical style of play will make them a tough opponent in the Group. Despite lacking quality players compared to Argentina and Chile, they have the potential to surprise.
Prediction: Considering their recent form and strengths, Peru is predicted to finish third, behind Argentina and Chile, but ahead of Canada. They will give a tough fight to both Argentina and Chile but ultimately fall short. Their experience will see them edge out Canada for third place.
Canada will be the underdogs in Group A and will more than likely battle it out with Peru to avoid finishing at the bottom of the group. While they are blessed with talented players like Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and Tajon Buchanan, they face an uphill task of making it out of a competitive Group A.
They head into this tournament on the back of three wins in their last nine matches, which were achieved against Cuba, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.
Their style of play is possession-based, but they struggle against physical teams. They have a well-organized squad, but their defense has been vulnerable in recent matches.
Prediction: Considering their recent form and strengths, Canada is predicted to finish last in Group A, behind Argentina, Chile, and Peru. They have a young and talented squad with the potential to surprise but will struggle against the experienced teams in the group.
Argentina and Canada will face off in the first match of the 2024 Copa America tournament. Argentina is predicted to win this clash since they have won more H2H meetings, and are in the form of their life, and possess more quality players.
Chile is predicted to come out victorious in this encounter since they have won more head-to-head encounters against them and have a slight edge over them in terms of quality.
Argentina is the firm favourites. The other qualifying slot is up for grabs between the remaining three teams, Chile slightly edging Peru going into the competition. It’s obvious we are in for great drama and we’ll wait to see the teams that will make it through.
