After the 3 Euro games today, we have the added delight of the Copa America final tonight.
It is a repeat of last years final, which Chile won on penalties. It is also a repeat of the opening tie for both teams in this years competition, in which Argentina won rather comfortably even without Messi - albeit the final score of 2-1 doesn't reflect their superiority.
Lionel Messi has the been the stand out player, despite not starting a group game. Despite the lack of minutes he has still managed 5 goals, including a hat-trick after coming off the bench and goals in both the quarter final and semi final.
Gonzalo Higuain has also found form in the knockout stages, scoring twice in both the win over Venezuela and the win over hosts USA in the semi.
Overall, Argentina have hit an impressive 18 goals in 5 games.
Defensively Argentina have been solid, conceding just twice.
Chile look to the continued succesful partnership of Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas.
Vargas leads the chase for the golden boot with 6 goals, 4 of which came in the stunning 7-0 hammering of Mexico in the quarters.
Alexis has 3 goals and 4 assists so far. He will also be fondly remembered as the man who scored the decisive penalty in last years final.
Arturo Vidal, Edson Puch and José Pedro Fuenzalida have all helped out in the scoring, with 2 goals each.
Chile have scored 16 goals in their 5 matches to this point.
Two clean sheets in the knockouts have helped ease fears over a defence that conceded 5 goals in the group stage. Captain Claudio Bravo remains one of the best keepers in the world - and he may have to prove that tonight.
I predicted an Argentina win over Chile in the final pre-tournament, and what has gone on has only reinforced this prediction. All eyes will be on Messi, but Higuain could well be the match winner.
D'Js Prediction - Argentina 2-0 Chile
Also a shout-out to David Ospina, once again proving himself to be one of the best 'keepers in the tournament. Three clean sheets, heroics in a penalty shoot out and only 3 goals conceded in 5 appearances. Some great saves, including a stunner last night to deny Dempsey.
Joel Campbell had a disappointing tournament, as Costa Rica crashed out following a 0-0 draw with Paraguay and a heavy defeat to the USA. JC sat out the majority of the final game, which Costa Rica beat Colombia 3-2 (Ospina was rested).
Copa America Final.
posted on 26/6/16
1am
posted on 27/6/16
KO at noon here
Can see it being comfortable for Argentina though
posted on 27/6/16
Ref is having a mare.
2 reds in first half.
Game ain't been very good though.
posted on 27/6/16
Any streams Daniel?
posted on 27/6/16
Watching on Kodi
posted on 27/6/16
What do you think of this new rule of being allowed an extra sub if the game goes to extra time? I think it is progressive.
posted on 27/6/16
The ref is having a shocker!
posted on 27/6/16
Yes
posted on 27/6/16
Despite the ref's shocking performance (and the fact that commentators keep on calling the beautiful game soccer), I enjoyed that final more than majority of the borefest games that I've watched at the Euros this year. They've also just named Alexis Sanchez as the man of the tournament . Looking at a shot of Lionel Messi, looking all alone and depressed, I felt sorry for him for a nano second. How Argentina didn't impose themselves in this final I'll never know with Messi, Higuain, Aguaro, De Maria to name but a few. On a slightly negative note, Sanchez was eventually subbed off with an injury. Congratulations Sanchez and I wish you a speedy recovery .
posted on 27/6/16
Ffs another final ruined by persistent fouling.