TOP 5 Battles to watch out in Chile vs Argentina Copa America Final!

Chile, the host nation, head into the final looking to win this competition for the first time in their history, whereas Argentina could possibly end their 22 years drought to win their 3rd Copa America Title . Chile might be having the home support to favor them but Messi and his men are in an exceptional run of form, having hammered Paraguay 6-1 in the semifinal.

Here are the key battles to look out for.

#5 Javier Mascherano vs. Arturo Vidal

This could be a great battle as both of them went head to head just last month in the UEFA Champions League final where the Argentine got the upper hand. Mascherano is preferred as a center back for Barcelona, but will be in his usual holding midfield role for his country. Vidal might start on the right side of the midfield diamond, but will drift towards the middle to support  Sanchez and Vargas ahead of him. Mascherano will have to cut the supplies from Vidal to avoid getting ball the forward to Sanchez.

Along with supporting his back line, if he can effectively press Chile inside their own half, chances for Argentina would increase.

Well, expect the midfield area to be a war zone tomorrow. Vidal’s game was affected after the car incident but he wants to redeem himself by giving his all in the final.

#4 Claudio Bravo and Sergio Romero

Both Goalkeepers have been part of every minute of the tournament so far, and are tied with Colombia’s David Ospina for the most clean sheets, with three each.

Both the teams have played an attacking style of football, and the final could be a real test of concentration for both the goalkeepers who would need to be sharp throughout the game.

Bravo and Romero are also very close in terms of save percentage, with Romero ahead saving 75% of shots faced compared to the Bravo’s 73.3%. Bravo has had more trouble than Romero for obvious reasons as Chile does not have a strong back line as compared to experienced defence of Argentina. On an average they both have stopped 2 shots per game and it’s pretty  tough to choose the better of two.

#3 Eduardo Vargas Vs Sergio Aguero

They both have been the best performers for their respective teams in the competition so far .Vargas scored a brace in the semi final making him the top scorer with 4 goals, just 1 ahead of the Manchester City striker. Vargas has been a better passer of the ball with around 90 passes and Aguero falling short of him by 40.

Aguero looks more confident on the ball and has a much more fierce image, having been fouled 10 times whereas Vargas has been brought down only 5 times.

Aguero is known for his brilliant finishing and here  too has a superior shot accuracy, testing the keeper with 77.8% of his attempts, while Vargas has only hit the target with 57.1% of his efforts.

#2 Gary Medel vs Nicolas Otamendi

 

Medel is strong in the air and has made successful interceptions without making any major errors. Otamendi too has been rock solid at the back and is obviously great in wining aerial duels .

The Argentine has been far better at interceptions, while his 64.3% aerial success over Medel’s 47.1% can be put down to the four inch difference in their heights.

Both have been supporting the back line well, but with real pacy attacks it would be a very tough game for both of them .

Pressing well and proper marking would be key to their play tomorrow

#1 Alexis Sanchez Vs Lionel Messi

Messi enjoyed yet another great season with Barcelona by helping them to win the treble and is on the verge of another Ballon d’Or trophy. On the other hand Sanchez too had a great season with Arsenal, and was the best player for Wenger’s side this season.

However, they were not able to carry their goal scoring form to the competition but they have both managed to have an impact on every game through assists and brilliant work rate on on off the ball. They both have scored goal a piece. Sanchez though hasn’t lived up to the expectations as he has half the number of chances created as compare to Messi’s 12.

The Arsenal striker has been involved but could not deliver the key passes and shots and was caught offside more times than his counterpart.

Both are proven big match players and could easily inspire their teams to glory in the Final.