Colombia and Argentina play the ticket to Paris 2024

Vanina Correa tries to save the ball in the match between Argentina and Canada in Beijing 2008

Foto por 2008 Getty Images

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Background: Argentina, with history in favor

Of the five previous duels between coffee growers and Albicelestes in the tournament, three fell on the Argentine side (3-2 in 2003, 6-0 in 2006 and 3-1 in 2018), one on the Colombian side (1-0 in 2010), and the rest was a draw (0-0 in 2014).

For Soledad Jaimes, the fact that the record favors Argentina is still anecdotal. “The history does not matter. All the parties are different, more now in the instance in which we are. It is played differently, the concentration is different…”. This being the case, will Colombia manage to cut the 12-year streak without beating them?

Recently, in the February international window, both teams met in two friendlies, one of them in the same stadium where they will face each other this Monday. The two matches ended in a tie: 0-0 and 2-2.

The road to the semifinals: Colombia, undefeated and with morale through the roof

Although by history the favoritism would be for Argentina, the truth is that it is the Colombia directed by Nelson Abbey the one that has offered better sensations. The coffee growers reach the semifinals as Group A champions, with plenty of victories – 4-2 against Paraguay, 3-0 against Bolivia, 2-1 against Ecuador and 4-0 against Chile –, 13 goals in favor, only 3 in against and a colorful game.

Furthermore, as pointed out Tatiana Ariza, the trend has been upward. “Colombia has come from less to more. With each game the team has been strengthened. We have to go out with everything and show what we have worked for”.

Argentina began its participation conceding a harsh corrective against the seven-time champions Brazil in the Super classic (4-0). However, those of Germán Portanova they recovered and have not conceded a goal since that moment, also counting the games for victories: 4-0 against Peru, 5-0 against Uruguay and 1-0 with Venezuela.

READ MORE: Four teams for continental glory and two tickets to Paris 2024

players to watch

Linda Caicedo, Colombia striker

His is probably the most dazzling appearance in South American football since that of Deyna Castellanos. If the Venezuelan shone in the Nanking 2014 Youth Olympic Games At just 15 years old, Caicedo has established himself in the absolute Colombia team at 17.

She has started in the four games played by the Cafeteras in this Copa América, she was named best player of the duel against Ecuador, she has one goal and two assists and has been selected by Conmebol as one of the best players in the tournament in the first phase.

His mobility, impudence and dribbling ability could be key to deciding the duel against Argentina.

Estefania Banini, Argentina midfielder

After several years absent from the Albiceleste, the return of the ’10’ in the months prior to the Copa América has given wings to the team’s game. Gifted with a great vision of the game, refined technique and ability to filter passes between rival defenses, Banini is the compass that guides Argentina and her criteria to handle the ball will be key.

At 32, the midfielder has already announced her possible retirement from the national team after the tournament. “It will surely be my last dance with the Argentine national team. I would like to retire giving the best of me. Then I will have to contribute from another place”.