Argentina Vs Colombia Copa América 2024 Final – Tactical Analysis

The curtain fell on Copa América 2024, as Argentina won the title for the second time consecutively and the 16th in history, establishing a record as the nation with the most titles.

This achievement surpasses Uruguay, who held 15 titles, making Argentina the largest country to achieve such a distinction.

Before the match, the statistics of both teams were balanced throughout their journey in the tournament.

Colombia scored 12 goals, a significant margin ahead of Argentina, who scored eight goals.

Its worth noting the impact of Colombias quintet against Panama in these statistics.

On the defensive side, Argentina excelled, conceding only once throughout the tournament, whereas Colombia had conceded two goals.

This equilibrium persisted during the match.

After a relatively balanced match, Inters star, Lautaro Martínez, scored the decisive winning goal in the 112th minute.

The match was challenging, marked by numerous tactical changes and attempts from both teams.

In this tactical analysis of Argentina, we will dissect the tactics of both teams and the variations during the match that led to this balanced final.

Argentina Vs Colombia Lineups and formations

There are no surprises in the formation of each team, preferring to start with the same lineup as the previous match.

On paper, Argentina used the same starting eleven as in the previous match, employing the main 4-4-2 formation, which shifted to 4-3-3 depending on the phase.

GK: Emiliano Martínez, RB:Gonzalo Montiel, RCB: Cristian Romero, LCB: Lisandro Martínez: LB: Nicolás Tagliafico, RM: Ángel Di María, RCM: Rodrigo De Paul, LCM: Enzo Fernández, LM:Alexis Mac Allister, RCF: Lionel Messi, LCF: Julián Álvarez.

On the other hand, Colombia also kept the same names except for Daniel Muñoz, who had received a red card in the previous match against Uruguay.

On paper, they depend on a 4-3-3 formation: GK: Camilo Vargas, RB: Santiago Arias, RCB: Davinson Sánchez, LCB: Carlos Cuesta: LB: Johan Mojica, CDM: Jefferson Lerma, RCM: Richard Ríos, LCM: Jhon Arias, RW: James Rodríguez, LW: Luis Díaz, CF: Jhon Córdoba.

Argentina in possession vs Colombia out of possession

Colombias intentions in most of the game were to press high, so we will start with the two main shapes.

Argentina built up with a 4-3-3 formation, while Colombia used a 4-3-1-2 high-press scheme.

What are their roles?

As shown below, Luis Díaz joins the striker, leaving two players standing in front of Argentinas two centre-backs, ready to press the ball holder with a curved run, cutting the passing lane to the full-back while James Rodríguez marks the 6 — Enzo Fernández — leaving the two full-backs free.

Now, three Colombian midfielders are against two from Argentina, meaning there is one free player, and this is precisely what they want to keep during the match to be ready for any sudden drop by Messi or any individual mistake.

Colombia did not settle for this but rather intensified to the extent of demanding that James press the goalkeeper upon the balls return to him, effectively cutting the passing lane to the 6 behind him by using the shadow-cover method.

You may ask: What will happen if they pass the ball dire