The 2024 Copa America continues Tuesday evening with Argentina and Canada in a sensational semifinal showdown. This will be the second meeting of La Albiceleste and Les Rouges at this tournament with Argentina winning in the Group A opener, 2-0 on June 20.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey plays host to this decisive duel. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday. Fox Sports 1 will have nationwide coverage in the United States. Let's break down the odds.
2024 Copa America preview: Argentina vs. Canada odds, prediction, best bet
Argentina hasn’t quite been the dominant team many expected, but after eight months unbeaten, it’s hard to deny it is a juggernaut. La Albiceleste coasted through Group A scoring five goals and allowing none before a scare in the quarterfinals. Luckily, Emiliano Martinez played hero-ball in the penalty shootout for Lionel Scaloni’s side as they beat Ecuador to reach this stage.
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Canada also needed penalties to reach the last four at its inaugural Copa America. Les Rouges beat Venezuela 4-3 on spot kicks after the game finished level at 1-1 after 90 minutes. Jesse Marsch is looking to guide his side to its first major final under his leadership, which would be quite the accomplishment as a win over Argentina would be the biggest in the country’s history.
Let’s take a closer look at the odds and trends ahead of this highly anticipated Copa America clash:
Argentina vs. Canada
Time/TV: Tuesday, July 9 at 7 p.m. CT (Fox Sports 1)
Location: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Moneyline: Argentina -300 | Draw +380 | Canada +950
Preview
Few are speaking about it, but the performances of Lionel Messi have been a huge disappointment thus far (zero goals, one assist in four games). The greatest player on the planet has sky high expectations that have yet to be met in this competition. Nevertheless, his side is still in the semifinal.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner thrives under the brightest lights, though, so it’s hard to imagine him being held down once again. Even if Canada’s stubborn defense manages to successfully mark the little magician, Argentina has an embarrassment of riches leading its attack.
La Albiceleste’s defense is not too shabby either. Scaloni’s squad has allowed just one goal in four matches at this tournament, and even that lone goal scored by Ecuador was controversial. An experienced defense consisting of Lisandro Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico and Emi Martinez in goal has 200 combined caps for the reigning World Cup winners.
The biggest question heading into this contest is whether or not Canada has enough attacking talent to beat the aforementioned Argentina back line. Les Rouges have found the back of the net just twice across 360+ minutes of play, which is a telling sign.
Jonathan David hasn’t found his goalscoring form yet with just one goal. Marsch’s side has found an unlikely hero in Nashville SC’s Jacob Shaffelburg, who has contributed to both goals that Canada has scored at the Copa America. Will the newcomer have enough magic left in the tank during his 15th national team cap to stun the world’s No. 1 team?
Even if Les Rouges manage to beat Martinez and get on the scoresheet, La Albiceleste’s underappreciated man, Lautaro Martinez, is in scorching form at the moment. He’s averaging a goal per game, which leads me to believe he’ll keep that up.
It’s not exactly a bold claim, but I like Martinez, Messi and the Argentines to roll into the final with a comfortable victory over Canada.
Prediction
Argentina 2 Canada 0
Best bet
Argentina to win 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 (+115 at FanDuel Sportsbook)