Copa America Final Betting Tips
After winning the Copa America in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022, Argentina are on the brink of a third consecutive major tournament triumph.
Lionel Scaloni's men beat Canada 2-0 in the Copa semi-final to set up the 1am Monday (BST) showdown with Colombia, who edged past Uruguay 1-0 in an ill-tempered last-four tie on Wednesday.
Los Cafeteros thrashed Panama 5-0 in the quarter-finals while Argentina needed penalties to see off Ecuador but the world champions have won their other four matches at the tournament to nil.
Colombia, however, must be respected after winning 12 of their last 13 internationals including a World Cup qualifying victory over Brazil and a friendly success against Euro 2024 finalists Spain in March.
Argentina vs Colombia Betting Tips
Team news
Argentina have no injury concerns or suspensions so manager Scaloni may name the same team that started the semi-final against Canada. That would mean Gonzalo Montiel retains his place at right-back while Julian Alvarez is expected to be preferred to Lautaro Martinez as Lionel Messi's partner up front.
Santiago Arias is set to start at right-back for Colombia as Daniel Munoz is suspended following his sending-off against Uruguay. Centre-back Jhon Lucumi will be assessed after missing the last four games with a thigh injury.
Argentina to win 2-0 @ 15/2
Colombia have had an impressive run to the final, finishing top of Group D ahead of Brazil before their 5-0 rout of Panama in the quarter-finals.
Jefferson Lerma's 39th-minute goal earned them a 1-0 semi-final win over in-form Uruguay but they had to play the entire second half with 10 men after Daniel Munoz was shown a second yellow card just before the break.
The energy expended in that victory could leave Colombia vulnerable against Argentina in Sunday's final, especially as the world champions had an extra day of rest after beating Canada 2-0 in the first semi.
The 2-0 correct score is an appealing price again given Argentina's terrific defensive record at the 2024 Copa – the only goal they have conceded in five matches was a 92nd-minute equaliser against Ecuador in the last eight.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez responded to that setback by saving Ecuador's first two penalties in the shootout and Argentina went on to outclass Jesse Marsch's Canada in the semis.
Aston Villa keeper Martinez has received excellent protection from a back four featuring Tottenham's Cristian Romero and centre-back partner Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United.
Argentina began their Copa defence by beating Canada 2-0, Chile 1-0 and Peru 2-0 in the group stage and those three opponents mustered only six shots on target against Scaloni's well-drilled outfit.
Knockout rivals Ecuador and Canada had just two efforts on target apiece and, while Colombia are a stronger opponent, Argentina's big-match experience and game-management skills give them the edge.
Alvarez and Messi scored against Canada so Martinez, the leading goalscorer at the tournament, may only be among the substitutes and the Albiceleste should be backed to retain the trophy with relative ease.
Jefferson Lerma to get a card @ 29/10
Crystal Palace midfielder Lerma was Colombia's goalscoring hero in the semi-final but he will have to showcase his defensive qualities in the final.
Lerma faces a tough midfield battle with Argentina's Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister and he is well worth backing to receive a card at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
He was suspended for the quarter-final drubbing of Panama after being booked in the group stage fixtures against Paraguay and Brazil.
And Lerma also struggled to stay out of trouble towards the end of Palace's 2023-24 Premier League campaign, collecting five yellow cards in his last 11 starts for the Eagles.
Canada's two starting central midfielders – Ismael Kone and Stephen Eustaquio – were cautioned in Tuesday's semi-final defeat to Argentina and Ecuador enforcer Moises Caicedo was booked against the Albiceleste in the last eight.
Tip reminder + plus match odds
- Betting Tip 1: Argentina to win 2-0 @ 15/2
- Betting Tip 2: Jefferson Lerma to get a card @ 29/10
- Match Odds: Argentina 59/50, Draw 2/1, Colombia 14/5
