Summary:
As the Copa America kicks off, all eyes are on the opening match featuring Argentina versus Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. This highly anticipated game has fans buzzing, with Argentina entering the tournament as the pre-tournament favorites.
Expectations and Challenges:
Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a significant challenge against a robust Argentine squad. Leading up to the Copa America, Canada experienced mixed results, including a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw with France. The upcoming match will be a critical test of Canada's readiness and resilience.
On the other side, Argentina's ambitions are clear: to dominate on U.S. soil. With Brazil's recent dip in form following the World Cup, Argentina's status as favorites has only been solidified.
How to Watch and Odds:
Date: Thursday, June 20
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
TV: FS1, Univision, TUDN
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Odds: Argentina -333; Draw +400; Canada +900
Group A Overview:
Group A is set to showcase some thrilling soccer, featuring teams like Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile. While Argentina looks strong, Canada aims to be competitive, particularly in its matches against Peru and Chile. For Canada, the tournament is as much a learning experience as it is a competition, serving as preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
Team News:
Argentina:
Despite missing key players such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos, Argentina can still rely on their seasoned veterans. Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi are expected to play significant roles. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are also likely starters.
Possible Argentina XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada:
Canada is in a phase of transition, moving beyond players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. Young talents are emerging to fill these roles. Key players for Canada include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau steps in as the new No. 1 goalkeeper, and Luc de Fougerolles makes his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction:
Although the match might start off tight, all indications point towards a narrow victory for Argentina. This result would still be encouraging for Canada, who can gain valuable experience from this match. Argentina is likely to top Group A, while Canada's key games remain against Peru and Chile.
Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0.
Quotes and Insights:
"Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday," remarked a spokesperson. "This will be Canada's first competitive test," highlighting the significance of the event for the Canadians.
"Brazil's post-World Cup dip in form suggests that Argentina are heavy favorites to win on U.S. soil," noted analysts, adding a layer of expectation for Lionel Messi and his teammates.
The group stage of the tournament is perfectly poised, with a blend of high stakes and potential for intense, entertaining soccer. For Canada, this tournament doubles as a preparatory stage for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
In closing, for Canada, a narrow loss to Argentina would still be a promising sign. "This result will be encouraging for Canada," an expert stated, emphasizing that the journey is just as important as the destination for the Canadians.
As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect a spectacle of skill, strategy, and thrilling moments, all setting the stage for an eventual crescendo at the 2026 World Cup.