Argentina and Colombia Produced Rough Copa America Final

Colombia was a game challenger to Argentina’s Copa America throne. But, ultimately, the top-end experience of its roster helped carry it to its record 16th Copa America crown. There were some nervy moments in the Copa America 2024 standings for Argentina.

The Copa America Final Betting Insights wasn’t exactly a coronation for Argentina. Colombia pressed hard at the beginning of the match. Argentina star Lionel Messi suffered a severe ankle injury in the second half and couldn’t participate in extra time.

But Argentina was able to get things done. In a game that was marred by the issues with security and people attempting to break into the stadium, the final produced plenty of drama.

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Argentina nearly lands a lightning bolt

Right off the opening kickoff, Colombia was aggressive in trying to score a goal. During the first five minutes, Argentina nearly scored off a cross into the box. However, from that point forward in the first half, Colombia put the pressure on Argentina.

People looking at betting odds for Copa America soccer odds will see that Colombia hadn’t won the Copa America since 2001. La Tricolor wasn’t afraid to push the issue in this match. During the first half, Colombia put four shots on target.

It was the performance that was reflective of how Colombia had been playing recently. Colombia has been in the middle of a run of 28 unbeaten matches.

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Second Half Saw More Opportunities for Argentina

Argentina ended up only holding possession for 44 percent of the match. However, Copa America final betting Insights showed that Argentina held a 6-4 edge in shots on goal. This match, which was played in sweltering heat, featured a lot of hard physical contact.

The referee ended up disappointing people who made soccer bets on yellow card totals. He only awarded four yellow cards but ended up letting the players play a lot more than each team would have liked. Argentina called for handballs frequently during the second half but didn’t have any luck.

Nicolas Tagliafico nearly prevented the match from going to extra time. He scored in the 75th minute, but it was ruled offside.

Extra Time Was Wild

Colombia not being able to capitalize on its early opportunities crushed Colombia’s confidence. By the time that extra time rolled around, Copa America final betting insights showed that it seemed likely one side would produce a winner. Both soccer teams went up and down the field for the first half of extra time.

During the second half, Argentina finally found a way to provide relief. Lautaro Martinez scored in the 112th minute to put Argentina ahead. Martinez was Argentina’s most consistent scorer during the tournament producing five goals.

Argentina was able to protect the net for the last 10 minutes to grab the victory.

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A Letdown for Colombia

Colombia hadn’t won a Copa America since 2001. This one would have meant a little bit more. The 2001 tournament, which Colombia hosted, was marred by Argentina refusing to participate and Brazil only sending a ‘B’ team due to security concerns.

This Copa America run saw Colombia score two or more goals in three of their six matches in the tournament. But in the final, Colombia’s magic dried up. Colombia only produced an xG of .9 in the final, which was its second-lowest of the tournament.

Colombia also only generated an xG of .7 against Paraguay in their opener but was able to push two goals over the line in that match. This was a solid run for Colombia, but it won’t want to lose that momentum going forward.