After twelve years, Brazil and Argentina return to face each other for a decisive match of Copa Amrica . Last time, in Maracaibo, the victory of the Venezuelan edition of 2007 was at stake. In the eleventh of the Albiceleste old acquaintances of the Italian championship appeared such as Zanetti, Cambiasso, Ayala and Veron, while the Brazilian 3-0 signed him Julio Baptista , Dani Alves and an author of Ayala. The only two “surviving” holders of the final one are two successful blaugrana companions: Leo Messi and Dani Alves . Everything changed, even reversing the positions compared to 2007, when Basile’s Argentina was given as a favorite compared to Dunga’s Brazil. The former Fiorentina had taken over the Seleo without having any experience on the bench, a bit like Scaloni who started his “real” coaching career with Seleccion. Alfio Basile, on the other hand, came to the final with the respect that is owed to a victorious coach twice in the America’s Cup: Chile 1991, Ecuador 1993. An environment similar to that of Tite, which enjoys the confidence of the players but could resign if he does not reach the final in Rio de Janeiro.
Regardless of the possible parallels with the final twelve years ago, the two teams approach the semifinal of Belo Horizonte (2.30 Italian) with different moods. Brazil has a lot more pressure: it is host, it is favored and – flying over the last victories in Confederations Cup (2009 and 2013) – it does not win a significant title just from Copa of 2007. Argentina, on the other hand, could be considered lighter, because that mix of pretension and resignation, which by now characterizes the attitude of the fans, does not experience one of its most acute phases. Scaloni’s team started off badly – a defeat against Colombia and a draw with Paraguay – but recovered with Qatar and Venezuela, proving they deserved at least the semi-final. On Messi, so far only a penalty goal and zero assists, there is manageable pressure. Finally, the environment seems to have perceived that he is the key to a transition necessary for the whole movement.
According to the Argentine press, Scaloni could repeat the eleven fielded in Rio against Vinotinto. Messi, Agero and Lautaro Martnez are a certainty. The midfield should be entrusted to De Paul, Paredes and Acua, while in defense Foyth, Pezzella, Otamendi and Tagliafico will have to protect Armani, who in any case has defended himself in the first few matches. In Brazil, instead, returns Casemiro which takes over the place occupied by Allan in the quarters. One of the few doubts concerns the condition of Filipe Luis, replaced by the Juventus player Alex Sandro in the match against Paraguay. Forward, confirmed the line Gabriel Jess, Coutinho and Everton in support of Firmino.
From: Il Mattino.
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