Argentina and Paraguay will meet again in this 2015 Copa America after they did so in their debut. This time, the stakes are much higher with a ticket to the final in play, something no team wants to miss out on.
La Albiceleste was widely criticized for letting a 2-0 lead vanish against Paraguay, which came from behind to tie the game. The team still hasn’t been able to play to their full potential, but they have done what’s necessary to get here.
Lionel Messi came into this tournament with the mission of winning it. Many outsiders have wanted to see him shine just like he did with Barcelona this year. He won it all in Spain except the Pichichi and was key in helping Los Cules win another treble.
So far, La Pulga has scored only one goal and it was against Paraguay from the penalty spot. There is no doubt he has tried to do more, with 20 shots and 13 of them on goal throughout the four games he has played from start to finish.
Sergio Aguero is the leading scorer for Argentina. His two goals are half of what the team has scored to make it this far. Gonzalo Higuain is the other player with a goal. Carlos Tevez has not scored in regular time but knocked Colombia out by scoring a penalty kick.
While the team has not been so strong offensively, considering what Gerardo Martino has at his disposal, their defensive efforts have been outstanding. Sergio Romero is tied with Claudio Bravo (CHI) as the goalkeepers with the most clean sheets, with a total of three.
Not many people gave Paraguay a chance of making it this far. They have had a tough road to cover in this Copa America. They played Argentina and Uruguay in the group stage, then faced Brazil in the quarter finals, and now La Albiceleste stands on their way to reach the final. They were the ones to lose against Uruguay in the 2011 final. Making it back to the championship-deciding game would be a huge accomplishment.
Ramon Diaz knows that man by man, his team is not as strong as their upcoming opponent, but for him is all about playing within their capabilities and as a team to overcome the team ranked in third in the FIFA Rankings. They will face the manager that in 2011 led Los Guaranis to their eighth Copa America final.
Most of the experience on the field comes from Roque Santa Cruz, the veteran striker did not do so well in the group stage games but left good impressions after the game with Brazil. Lucas Barrios is the leading goalscorer of Paraguay with four goals in the four games they have played.
In head to head statistics, there is a big advantage for Argentina. La Albiceleste has won 58 games against their upcoming rival. The games have ended in a tie 31 times and Paraguay has only won 15.
Argentina vs Paraguay lineups
Argentina's First XI: Romero, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Otamendi, Rojo, Biglia, Mascherano, Pastore, Messi, Aguero, Di Maria
Paraguay's First XI: Villar, Valdez, Da Silva, Aguilar, Piris, Gonzalez, Caceres, Ortiz, Benitez, Nelson Valdez, Santa Cruz
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Argentina 6 - 1 Paraguay
June 30, 2015 7:30pmEstadio Municipal Alcaldesa Ester Roa Rebolledo (Concepción)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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