It seems like yesterday when the Copa América Centenario was about to start, but today, we will be gifted with the first semi-final match of the competition. As if fate had something to do setting up this fixture, the United States will face Argentina, in what promises to be one of the most interesting battles of the tournament.
The USMNT will have to deal with a number of absences, while La Albiceleste will rely on the experience and skills of their captain to reach their third consecutive final match in a major tournament.
Let's have a closer look at what these teams have to offer.
USMNT
The hosts made it to this stage of the tournament for the second time since 1993, the year when CONCACAF teams started getting invited to the South American competition. The Stars & Stripes prevailed against a tough Ecuadorian side thanks to Clint Dempsey's skills. The Seattle Sounders' marksman scored the opening goal for the USMNT and provided an assist for the second one, scored by Gyasi Zardes.
Dempsey's form this tournament has been quite impressive.
.@clint_dempsey is in fine form ahead of tomorrow's #CopaAmerica semifinal: https://t.co/MiYjNzBFlp pic.twitter.com/fp1qaTNESw
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) June 20, 2016
Even though the team arrives to this match in high spirits, coach Jurgen Klinsmann will have to deal with three absences: Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Alejandro Bedoya. Jones was sent off against Ecuador for punching an opponent, while Wood & Bedoya were booked twice. Other than that, the Stars & Stripes have no injury concerns and have declared themselves ready.
Clint Dempsey's opener against Ecuador keeps him in the hunt to become Copa América's top scorer.
.@clint_dempsey scored his 3rd goal this #CopaAmerica, equaling Wynalda as USA's all time top scorer in the Copa https://t.co/XebJxnlmCN
— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 17, 2016
Argentina
Reaching its fourth semi-final in the last five Copa América editions, La Albiceleste will try to live up to the hype and confirm themselves as title contenders. Argentina seemed to be struggling against Venezuela at times, since the Vinotinto side pressured them and even had a penalty awarded during the first half. Later in the game, Messi's influence set the record straight, as the Albiceleste side settled themselves among the final four teams.
Messi's goal against Venezuela helped him become the all-time joint top scorer for Argentina alongside Gabriel Batistuta.
#Messi has now scored 4 goals vs @SeleVinotinto, equaling his personal record of most goals at a major tournament. https://t.co/S4NFMOSMCk
— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 19, 2016
Coach Gerardo Martino will have to deal with one absence for sure, while one more player could sit this one out as a precaution. Nicolás Gaitán will have to watch this game from the stands after being booked for the second time in the competition, while Angel Di María may very well be rested in order to make him available for a possible final match.
Head to head
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This will be the 10th match between Argentina and the USMNT. The South Americans have won five of those games, adding two draws and two wins for the Stars & Stripes.
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The United States & Argentina have played two Copa América matches. The first one was won by the Americans with a 3-0 score line, while Argentina took the win in the 2007 edition with a 4-1 result.
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The most recent game between Argentina & the USMNT was played back in March 26,2011. That friendly match concluded with a one-all draw.
Where to watch the semi-final match between the U.S.A. & Argentina on TV or online?
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In the U.S., on fuboTV, Futbol de Primera Radio, Univision Deportes USA,Fox Sports GO, Fox Soccer 2GO USA, Univision USA & Fox Sports 1 USA at 21:00 hrs EDT.
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In Argentina, on DIRECTV Play Deportes, DIRECTV Sports Argentina, TyC Sports Argentina, TyC Sports Interior, & TyC Sports Play at 22:00 hrs ART.
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In the U.K., on Premier Sports at 02:00 BST (Wednesday)
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In Canadá, on Univision Canada at 19:00 hrs PDT
Live elsewhere? Check out the U.S.A vs Argentina match page for detailed info to watch this game in your country.
*Please note that all live games, TV Schedules and online streaming info are subject to change.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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