Copa America 2024 Semi-Final: The tactical blueprint for Argentina vs Canada – tactical preview

Argentina are exactly where everyone expected them to be at this stage of the tournament. The World Champions quite comfortably navigated their way out of their group, winning all three of their matches without conceding a goal. However, an average display against Ecuador saw the pre-tournament favourites taken to a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in normal time. As seen in their past tournament triumphs, the brilliance of Emi Martínez secured another penalty shootout victory, keeping them on track to retain the Copa América.

Canada on the other hand have exceeded expectations. The addition of the six CONCACAF nations has really added a different dimension to the tournament. The USA and Mexico, who both have a rich history in the tournament, would have been touted pre-tournament to go the furthest out of the CONCACAF sides. Yet, it has been Canada who have gone the deepest in the competition. At the beginning of a new regime, Jesse Marsch led Canada to the semi-final in their first Copa América. Finishing second in what was a tricky group and overcoming an inform Venezuela in the quarter-finals, Les Rougues have caught most people by surprise.

The two sides have already met each other in the group stage, in what was the opening game of the tournament. Argentina won the game comfortably, with Canada still getting to grips with Marsch’s style. Now, meeting in the semi-finals, in this tactical analysis in the form of a tactical preview, we will provide an analysis of the key areas where this game will be won and lost. Analysis of both teams’ tactics, strengths and weaknesses, which have been displayed throughout the tournament, will be highlighted.

Lineups

Argentina, on paper, have lined up throughout the tournament, playing a 4-4-2. Lionel Scaloni has not been afraid to change the personnel of his side, with his squad possessing an enormous amount of talent. The ever-present and reliable Emi Martínez will start in nets behind the solid back four of full-backs Nicolás Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Premier League duo Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero starting at centre-back together. The midfield four will consist of Rodrigo De Paul, playing on the right, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández in central midfield alongside Nicolás González, who will be deployed as a traditional winger on the left. The tournament’s current top goalscorer, Lautaro Martínez, will start up front, with Lionel Messi given his customary free role.

In possession, Argentina will gain width from right-back Molina and left-winger Nicolás González. Rodrigo de Paul will come inside and operate as a third central midfielder, with Mac Allister and particularly Fernández often given licence to roam. Lautaro Martínez, like substitute option Julián Álverez, will have the ability to drop deep when needed, yet the Inter striker will look to stretch Canada’s backline.