The Copa America has reached its final four, featuring a pair of captivating semifinals, with favorites Argentina aiming to secure their third consecutive major title. The Argentines, current world champions and defending Copa America holders, will kick off the semifinal action against the unexpected team, Canada, on Tuesday in New Jersey. On Wednesday in Charlotte, Uruguay, who eliminated Brazil in a penalty shoot-out on Saturday, will face Colombia, who remain unbeaten in 27 games and trounced Panama 5-0 in their quarterfinal.
Argentina and Uruguay, both tied with 15 Copa America titles, are eager to break this deadlock and claim the title of the most successful nation in the tournament's history. Colombia boasts a single title from 2001, while Canada is making its debut in the tournament. Argentina narrowly advanced past Ecuador in the quarterfinals thanks to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's penalty shoot-out heroics. Despite not yet reaching their peak form, they are clear favorites against Canada.
American coach Jesse Marsch has quickly made an impact on Canada since taking over in mid-May, implementing a high-energy, pressing style with significant results. Marsch, who was reportedly close to becoming the USA coach before Gregg Berhalter's rehire, has seen his team make a memorable run to the semifinals, while the Americans failed to advance from their group. Canada defeated Venezuela, who had won all their group stage matches, in a thrilling penalty shoot-out on Friday.
However, they recognize the formidable challenge posed by Lionel Messi and Argentina. The teams previously met in the tournament's opening group game, with Argentina winning 2-0. Despite this, Canada remains confident under Marsch's leadership. Bayern Munich wing-back Alphonso Davies emphasized the importance of the match, stating, "It's going to take everything. We win and go forward, we lose and go home. They're going to come out with everything. We're hungrier than ever, we expect a battle -- as they should."
Marsch insists his team will maintain their attacking style against Argentina. "The game against Argentina will have to be the best we've ever played... We're not going to sit back and just try to defend. We will be aggressive. We're going to try to play the way we want to play and see if we can keep it up," he promised. Argentina's lineup remains largely unchanged from their World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, though Messi, hampered by a hamstring strain, has yet to reach his previous heights.
The midfield is brimming with talent, and striker Lautaro Martinez has scored four goals, while the defense, led by Lisandro Martinez, has been solid. Colombia continues to impress under Nestor Lorenzo, with playmaker James Rodriguez experiencing a late-career resurgence, providing a creative spark. Rodriguez, who has not fully lived up to club-level expectations, has recaptured the form he displayed at the 2014 World Cup.
Uruguay is in high spirits after eliminating Brazil in a tough match in Las Vegas, but will be without the suspended Nahitan Nandez and dealing with injuries to defender Ronaldo Araujo and wing-back Matias Vina. Veteran Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa has instilled his trademark direct, hard-running style in Uruguay, promising a high-tempo game against Colombia, who pose a threat on the break with the pace of winger Luis Diaz.
Bielsa acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "The match against Colombia will be just as demanding (as playing Brazil) because they are a team that has been developing a lot match by match." He added, "Like Brazil, they have important strikers in every position, but we are confident we can play on an equal footing with any opponent." The Copa America final will take place in Miami on July 14.
